The senate in Kenya says it is introducing a motion that seeks to integrate climate education into the national education curriculum.
Homa Bay Senator, Moses Kajwang who is pushing the proposal said that climate change remains a global nightmare with its effects already visible hence the need to prioritise it as a subject.
The motion read, “Climate change is a complex social and scientific issue characterised by uncertain and context-specific knowledge. It demands that educators engage in inquiry and co-learning with students,”.
According to Kajwang, the motion further draws attention to the lack of time and curriculum opportunities to address climate change in the classroom.
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He said that article 12 of the Paris Agreement espouses the enhancement of training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information, adding that the subject explores mitigation and adaptation measures at both local and global levels while enabling the youth to engage with the information, inquire, understand, ask critical questions and take what they determine are appropriate actions to respond to climate change.
He noted that teachers and school administrators must be trained and equipped with the necessary information and skills to teach and explore new approaches that can contribute to the transformation of unsustainable climate systems, values and routines.
If approved, the Ministry of Education in liaison with the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development will be tasked with incorporating it through the formal education system as part of the school curriculum. This according to the senator will prepare children and young people for the rapidly changing, uncertain, risky and possibly dangerous future.
Story was adapted from STAR.
