How children can conserve the environment this holiday

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Since the third term holiday is long, find ways of supporting your children to spend it productively to benefit them and the community.

One of the things they can do is to conserve the environment. Remember, protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, including children.

They can start with things that don’t need a lot of money.

For example, at Paibona Primary School in Gulu district, 20 learners formed a smart farming club. They grow tomatoes and cabbages which they sell and get school fees.

At Paibona Primary School in Gulu district, 20 learners formed a smart farming club. They grow tomatoes and cabbages which they sell and get school fees. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

These children are also change agents in their communities. They encourage people to plant trees. One of them, Mary Lisa Akello a primary six pupil says she enjoys gardening because it is a productive activity that keeps her from loitering. Also, through smart farming, they protect the environment because they avoid using harmful chemicals on the plants.

In addition, in Pabbo sub-county, Amuru district, 30 pupils at Labala Primary School are restoring the environment through the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) club. They plant teak and manaina trees on school land and in their homes. They also distribute seedlings to the community and follow up to see that they are planted and looked after.

Their patron, teacher Walter Okello says “We started the club to save our environment from danger. People destroy swamps and cut down trees for money which has led to long dry spells.”

Besides, Scovia Agenorwot their leader adds that they are also climate change ambassadors in their communities. They plant trees and sensitise people about the dangers of degrading the environment.  Recho Monica Aber, another member has so far planted five shade trees in her parents’ compound. She got the seedlings from school.

If your children cannot plant trees, then, support them to clean up the environment. They can also encourage people to dump rubbish in the right places. Some of that rubbish can be decomposed and used as compost manure.

Also, repurposing or recycling old things is another way of protecting the environment. Recycling means to put things to a different use. For instance, they can use old containers to grow vegetables.

They can also organize or participate in a community cleanup as well. Also, instead of using firewood and charcoal, teach them to mould briquettes from charcoal dust and soil. It will help to reduce deforestation.