Opolo Global Innovation Limited, in partnership with Eco Bank and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria, embarked on the Opolo Green Champions Program. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about climate literacy, with a specific emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, focusing on climate change. The program extended to three selected schools in the South West region of Nigeria, commencing on October 12, 2023, at Ibadan City Academy and concluding on October 26, 2023, at Okanlawon Science Academy. This report provides an overview of the program’s activities and impact, including the innovative practical actions that were undertaken.
Program Overview
The Opolo Green Champions Program was conceived in response to the growing environmental challenges that threaten the sustainability of our planet. Recognizing the urgent need for climate literacy, the program’s primary goal was to equip secondary school students with the knowledge and tools to become advocates for sustainability.
Activities and Engagement
The program reached out to three schools in the South West region of Nigeria:
- Urban Day Grammar School, Ile-Ife
- Ibadan City Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State
- Okanlawon Science Academy, Osogbo
The curriculum was designed to educate students about SDG Goal 13, which emphasizes the critical issue of climate change. Practical actions were a central part of the program, with students actively involved in implementing strategies to combat climate change.
Innovative Student Clubs
One of the standout features of the Opolo Green Champions Program was the creation of student clubs within each of the participating schools. These clubs were established to maintain and foster climate awareness and to drive initiatives related to sustainability. The program also entrusted school authorities with several innovative actions to support and monitor students in their efforts to make a positive impact.
Promoting Recycling and Creativity
The program encouraged recycling, emphasizing the creative use of PET bottles. Students learned to transform waste materials into useful and artistic items, promoting a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness.
Utilizing Nylon in School Gardens
A notable aspect of the program was the endorsement of using nylon for farming activities in school gardens. This eco-friendly approach allowed for efficient and sustainable gardening practices within the school premises, reducing the environmental footprint.
Waste Management for Sustainable Agriculture
Students were educated on responsible waste disposal, specifically food remnants. These remnants were collected and deposited in designated areas, serving as future organic manure for plants. This sustainable approach instilled in students the idea that waste could be a valuable resource for agriculture in the near future.
Tokens of Appreciation
To express gratitude for their active participation and commitment to the program’s mission, Opolo Global Innovation Limited presented tokens of appreciation to the school authorities. These gifts serve as tangible reminders of the importance of taking concrete actions against climate change and promoting sustainability.
The success of the Opolo Green Champions Program was made possible through the invaluable support and collaboration of Eco Bank and SDSN Nigeria. Their dedication to climate literacy and sustainability education played a pivotal role in the program’s effectiveness. Students, teachers, and school authorities expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the knowledge and experiences gained through the program.
The Green Champions Program stands as a commendable initiative designed to educate and empower secondary school students in Nigeria to become proactive agents of change, combating climate change and championing sustainable development. The program’s emphasis on practical actions and the establishment of student clubs underscores its commitment to creating a lasting impact. We anticipate that the program will continue to influence participating schools and their communities.
Opolo Global Innovation Limited, Eco Bank, and SDSN Nigeria set an inspiring example of how public-private partnerships can significantly contribute to climate education and environmental sustainability. This initiative marks a substantial step toward securing a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
Selected Pictures from the program