This is a special edition article from The Jungle Vines Gazette by The Cole Kids Academy.
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A Rallying Cry
In a world under siege from the effects of climate change, it’s not only the responsibility of politicians and corporate leaders to make a difference. Women, girls, and children—especially those who are homeschooled—have a significant role to play. The Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya provided the continent with a unique stage to learn and engage some of the world’s most influential people about climate change and sustainability.
Climate change is a collective responsibility. Politicians and corporations are crucial players, but they are not combating this crisis alone. The education sector can be an important leader with homeschooling emerging as a catalyst for creating climate leaders. This isn’t just a concept anymore, it’s a rallying cry that resonated through the whole of Africa in September 2023.
Redirecting Educational Costs for a Greener Future
In Kenya, as in many other corners of the globe, the escalating cost of education is not merely a budgetary line item—it’s a devastating barrier that drains the boundless potential of upcoming generations. What if we turned this financial challenge into an opportunity for transformative change? Families are already reallocating money meant for these substantial educational costs to homeschool. Savings from homeschooling are being directed towards entrepreneurship, investments in climate friendly technology—a hands-on lesson about renewable energy right at home, and more!
The First Lady’s Pavilion: Education, Education, Education!
“We need to invest in the following areas for starters: Education, Education, Education,” said Samira Bawumia the Second Lady of Ghana. She emphasized, “The key to solving climate change lies in one word: Education.” Homeschooling offers an ideal setting to instill the value of environmental stewardship in children from a young age.
The Cole Kids Academy, for example, integrates environmental science and climate change awareness into its core curriculum. That way, students aren’t just aware of the issues; they’re prepared to tackle them head-on! She went on to say, “Education is our strongest weapon against climate change.” It is a robust reminder that education is our greatest resource for bringing authentic awareness and firm action regarding climate change.
Pioneering a New Way of Learning
During our discussion with Alexia Latortue, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, she underlined the need for economic literacy in combatting climate change. In a homeschooling system, students can master these economic complexities, preparing them for a multi-faceted approach to environmental issues.
In addition to discussions on economic literacy, we had a valuable exchange with John Kriegsman, U.S. Treasury Attaché based in Nairobi. Kriegsman emphasized the importance of sound financial advising, especially in the realm of green initiatives. Just like a dynamic ecosystem of startups and green businesses, homeschool academies can be part of this ecosystem. By allocating educational resources, these academies can invest in the future—supporting projects ranging from renewable energy to smart home technologies, all while fostering a sense of responsibility in the leaders of tomorrow.
One idea is to reinvest money saved from homeschooling into smart home technology that educates the family on minimizing energy consumption or into creating a garden as a living classroom for biology and sustainability. Specialized setups like homeschool academies are pivotal. They have the mandate to be more than just academic centers; they are a safe education space for a new caliber of leaders, equipped not just with knowledge but with a deep-rooted sense of climate responsibility.
ACS23 and Minority Groups
Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of The Commonwealth, was spot-on in her climate reality assessment: “Disproportionately, the (climate) burden has fallen on women and children.” Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to focus on these neglected perspectives. Special courses help children understand the unique challenges faced by women and minority groups in the climate crisis, equipping them to become more inclusive leaders.
Who’s Who: Key Figures in Climate Leadership
Everyone we met offered not just their insights but their support, echoing our conviction that the time for action is now. Whether it’s the Second Lady of Ghana’s focus on education or the Secretary General’s spotlight on minority groups, they share our ethos and mission at The Cole Kids Academy: To cultivate proactive, socially aware, and responsible leaders.
While we chart a path forward in both education and sustainability, we’re not the only ones recognizing the critical nature of these endeavors. We’re grateful for the insights and support provided by leading experts in climate leadership:
Dr. Meggan Spires, Director of Climate Change Energy and Resilience at ICLEI Local Governments for
Sustainability Africa
Ahmed Al Qabany, PhD, Senior Climate Change Specialist, Advisory and Operations at The World Bank
Mr. Shadrack M. Mwadime, EBS, Principal Secretary for Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs in the Republic of Kenya
Joe Muturi, Global Advocacy and Coordinator East/West Africa at SDI – Shack/Slum Dwellers International
Josh Whale, CEO at Ampersand – Electric Motorcycles
Each of these esteemed professionals provided invaluable resources on incorporating women, girls, and children into climate leadership.
These aren’t just names; they are living, breathing testimonials to the change we so desperately need. With wisdom etched into their experience, they shared their time and knowledge, underlining the very risks that make our journey both precarious and necessary.
Tying It All Together: The Cole Kids Academy as a Model
Homeschooling at The Cole Kids Academy does not follow textbooks; it adopts a holistic approach to education. By integrating sustainability and social justice into lessons, students are molded to be proactive leaders in climate advocacy.
Inaugural Africa Climate Summit: A Pledge for Action
President William Ruto of Kenya stated, “We are going to be here until we are heard and until the right thing happens.” This statement is a call to action for us all, and homeschoolers can take this to heart by engaging in various climate advocacy initiatives. Homeschooling’s flexibility allows for real-world experiences, like attending climate change summits or participating in environmental campaigns, to become a part of the educational journey. The flexible schedule of homeschooling allows students to engage in real-world activism, like attending climate change summits or participating in environmental campaigns.
Conclusion
We are talking about an educational transformation—one that doesn’t just challenge how we teach but redefines what we consider essential knowledge and skills for the 21st century. Through homeschooling, we have an avenue to nurture responsible citizens ready to tackle the climate crisis. It aligns seamlessly with our overarching goal: to strengthen the role of women, girls, and children in climate leadership.
There is an urgency of our cause, a cause that resonates with us all, from the smallest child learning how to read to the seasoned leader contemplating the legacy they will leave behind.
So, when we speak of revolutionizing education and preparing our children to inherit the Earth, understand that it’s a shared endeavor, bolstered by minds that could easily have focused only on their individual fields but chose instead to contribute to our collective dream.
(c) 2023 The Cole Kids Academy LTD. All rights reserved.
Sources
“Africa Climate Summit Interviews and Speeches.” Africa Climate Summit, 4-6 Sept. 2023, Nairobi, Kenya East Africa.
“Africa Climate Week Events.” Africa Climate Week, 4-8 Sept. 2023, Nairobi, Kenya East Africa.
Article Date: September 12, 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
