Nurturing Young Climate Leaders in Tingla, Nepal

On May 26, 2024, the scenic town of Ramite in Solukhumbhu district of Nepal became a hub of climate action as 80 enthusiastic students from Shree Singhakali Basic School gathered for the Plant-for-the-Planet Academy. This engaging and educational event was designed to inspire young minds to take charge of their environmental future and become Climate Justice Ambassadors.

A Warm Welcome and Engaging Start

The day began with registration and a brief welcome session, setting a positive tone for the event. An ice-breaker activity allowed students to connect with one another, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Once settled, the children attentively participated in the presentation “Now We Save the World!”, led by Program Coordinator Sudeep Ghimire and Climate Justice Ambassadors Subijhan Budathoki. This session covered essential climate topics such as CO2 emissions, global warming, photosynthesis, and global justice, all tailored to be easily understood by young learners.

Following the presentation, an interactive question-and-answer session gave students the opportunity to clarify doubts and deepen their understanding of climate issues.

Developing Public Speaking Skills

To empower students as future advocates, the academy included a public speaking training session. Participants learned effective presentation techniques before attempting to deliver segments of the morning’s presentation themselves. Through peer feedback and practice, they gained confidence and had fun while enhancing their communication skills.

Learning About Global Justice

After a refreshing lunch break, students participated in the World Game, an engaging activity focused on global resource distribution. With the help of playing figures, candy, and balloons, they visualized disparities in population, wealth, and CO2 emissions across different continents. Through hands-on learning, they discovered the importance of equity and fairness, concluding that everyone deserves equal access to resources and opportunities.

Taking Action: Climate Solutions and Tree Plantation

Equipped with newfound knowledge, students split into school groups to brainstorm actionable solutions to combat global warming. They developed clear and structured action plans outlining their goals, responsibilities, and timelines. Each group then presented their ideas, demonstrating their commitment to driving change within their school community.

The event concluded with a certification ceremony, where School Principal Mr. Harka Bahadur Rai awarded each student a Climate Justice Ambassador certificate. In addition to their certificates, participants proudly took home Plant-for-the-Planet T-shirts, symbolizing their dedication to environmental advocacy.

Fueled by their excitement and responsibility as young climate leaders, the students actively participated in a tree planting action, planting 10 trees within the school garden. Some even took plants home, ensuring that their mission extended beyond the academy.

A Day to Remember

The Plant-for-the-Planet Academy in Tingla was more than just a workshop—it was a transformative experience for the students, teachers, and organizers. With valuable knowledge, leadership skills, and a shared vision for a greener future, these young Climate Justice Ambassadors are now ready to make a lasting impact in their communities.

This event marked the beginning of a sustainable movement, proving that when young minds are empowered, they can lead the way toward a healthier planet. You can find photos of this Academy here or visit Plant-for-the-Planets Flickr page.