Plant-for-the-Planet Academy Durban (South Africa), 21 November 2011

On the 21th November 2011 a Plant-for-the-Planet Academy was held at Botanic Gardens, South Africa. There was a very small group of motivated children. The Academy was a great success, 9 children from 2 different schools receiving an empowerment to become official Climate Justice Ambassadors.

During the Academy, the children learned about the major issues surrounding the climate crisis from a previously empowered Climate Justice Ambassador. They learned what they could do as part of the Plant-for-the-Planet Children’s Initiative to take action to solve the climate crisis and secure a better future and were also encouraged to develop their own ideas for future initiatives. Near the “Beehive”, an interesting cround building, which will be ignaugured next week during the COP, the children planted three symbolic trees. Also included in the event was a workshop where the children could practice and improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

The youngest participant was 7 years old and said that she wants the adults to stop burning fossil fuels. Another girl explained the problem of climate unjustice with following words: It is like when your Brother destroy the favorite vase of your Mother and you get a beating although it was his fault.

At the end of the event the children were certified as official Climate Justice Ambassadors. With their newly acquired knowledge and skills these Climate Justice Ambassadors are ready to take on any challenge. The children will now be working in and around Cape Town to spread the word and educate other children and adults about the climate crisis and the need for climate justice. They also have the know-how to organise local planting activities and future Academies. The children have been empowered as part of a global network of Plant-for-the-Planet children. Look out for the active Climate Justice Ambassadors around Durban! We will come back at Botanic Gardens on the 3th of December, which is the Global Day of Action, in order to plant more trees.

While the adults are merely talking about the issues surrounding the climate crisis, the children are taking action! You can also support the Plant-for-the-Planet Campaign to “Stop Talking. Start Planting.” and help the children to fight for a better future.

Thank you to Deutsche Post DHL and Toyota Financial Services for sponsoring the event.

All pictures of the Academy can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plant-for-the-planet/sets/72157628127184831/show/