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CAMFED, in partnership with Ministries of Education in Zambia and Zimbabwe, has launched a new in-school climate education program, led by young women graduates. It complements the existing curriculum, supporting all young people – particularly marginalized girls and their communities – to thrive, build climate resilience, and plan green careers.

The new climate sessions were developed by young people working collaboratively with CAMFED, government and other expert partners. Delivery is led by CAMFED graduates trained as Learner Guides (peer mentors). They focus on enabling young people to build the broad range of skills needed to thrive in a climate-impacted world.

The content is locally relevant, interactive, engaging, and action-orientated. It addresses issues of gender and climate justice, building on the climate resilience skills Learner Guides already deliver — such as critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving – through our flagship life skills and wellbeing program, My Better World.

The new approach to climate education aligns with government strategies to build climate literacy and leadership among citizens, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change. By working in partnership with government ministries, school leaders, and the young people we serve, we are building the foundations for future widespread adoption of peer-led climate education in classrooms across Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Building a climate-smart future

The program covers a wide range of topics such as:

  • understanding the causes, and impact of climate change and being able to spot myths and misconceptions
  • evaluating risks and staying safer in extreme weather events such as cyclones and weather-related emergencies
  • what it means to be climate resilient and the powers young people have to adapt to the effects of climate change
  • climate justice; understanding how and why different people experience climate change differently and being part of inclusive action
  • what learners can do to be climate-smart, focusing on Indigenous and locally relevant actions they can take to adjust to the effects of climate change, protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions
  • how learners can step-up as champions for climate justice and sustainable futures
  • and sample pathways to green careers that other young people from their communities have successfully pursued.

Read a sample of the Zimbabwe handbook
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Ministerial endorsement at the official program launch in Zimbabwe

“I am excited to note that in the schools where Learner Guides operate, progression rates among marginalized girls have increased significantly and learning outcomes have improved.

The Learner Guide program has also been associated with a significant reduction in the number of girls dropping out of school because of early marriage or pregnancy.”

— Minister Torerayi Moyo

CAMFED CEO Angeline Murimiwa joined Hon. Torerayi Moyo, of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe for the official launch of the climate education approach and handbook on March 6, 2024. 

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Comments on the Climate Education and Action Handbook in Zambia

“The content outlined in the material is comprehensive, appropriate and useful to the society. The activities presented in the material are learner centered because they are engaging…Most of the examples and case studies provided relate to real life situations in Zambia.”

— Dr. Charles Ndakala, Director, Curriculum Development, Ministry of Education, Zambia

CAMFED’s climate change education approach is one of a kind… Its process of development can and should serve as a model for others being both socially inclusive and based on local needs.
Dr. Christina T. Kwauk, Social Scientist and Policy Analyst, Author of 'Advancing Climate Justice Through Girls’ Education at CAMFED'
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Watch CAMFED's Climate Education Panel

In this video, CAMFED’s climate experts explain how the new climate education handbook was developed with input from young women, school children, community members as well as key education stakeholders such as university faculty, head teachers, and Teacher Mentors. 

Inclusive, quality education must be at the heart of our global response to the climate crisis. Every child, particularly every marginalized girl, that CAMFED supports to thrive in school is building her own climate resilience and her skills to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and a greener future for us all.
Catherine Boyce - Chief Impact Officer at CAMFED International

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International Youth Day 2023

This International Youth Day, we are celebrating the leadership and tenacity of our sisters in the CAMFED Association who are galvanizing their communities to take action in the face of climate change.  

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