About this project
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our world today, yet many young people—especially those from low-income households and displaced communities—lack access to quality environmental education. This project seeks to bridge that gap by educating 1,000 public secondary school students across five schools (200 students per school) about climate change, its causes, consequences, and the urgent need for collective action. By equipping students with knowledge and practical tools, the project aims to inspire them to become climate advocates and change makers within their schools, families, and communities.
The program will adopt a holistic approach, beginning with sensitization sessions that break down complex climate concepts into accessible, relatable lessons. Students will learn about the causes of climate change, such as deforestation, fossil fuel use, and unsustainable consumption patterns. They will also examine its consequences—ranging from rising global temperatures to flooding, food insecurity, and health risks—and how these issues directly affect individuals and society at large. More importantly, students will be guided on practical steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
In addition to classroom sensitization, the project includes interactive and hands-on activities to deepen learning and foster long-term commitment. One key component is tree planting: in each school, 10 queen palm trees will be planted, creating a living legacy of the project while contributing to local reforestation efforts, improved air quality, and shade for school environments. These trees will not only serve as a symbol of hope but also as a practical step toward climate resilience.
Another innovative aspect of the initiative is the use of Photovoice—a participatory method where students capture photographs that reflect their perceptions, experiences, and solutions related to climate change. This creative approach will empower them to express their voices, document the environmental challenges they observe in their communities, and propose practical responses such as recycling, upcycling, and waste-to-value initiatives. By combining education with creativity, Photovoice helps students build confidence, leadership skills, and advocacy capacity.
The project recognizes that climate change education is not only about knowledge but also about action. Therefore, students will be encouraged to design and implement small sustainability projects within their schools, such as recycling clubs or campaigns against single-use plastics. These activities will help them practice what they have learned while inspiring their peers and families to adopt more sustainable habits.
Ultimately, the project seeks to plant both literal and figurative seeds—trees that will grow in the school environment and ideas that will grow in the minds of young people. By reaching 1,000 students, this initiative envisions the creation of a new wave of climate ambassadors who understand the urgency of the climate crisis and are prepared to advocate for solutions. The long-term impact extends beyond the participating schools, as students will carry this knowledge into their homes and communities, sparking broader societal awareness and change.
Through education, engagement, and empowerment, this project aims to demonstrate that young people are not only vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but also powerful actors in the fight against it.
Goals and Objectives
The overall goal of the project is to build climate awareness and action among young people by equipping 1,000 public secondary school students with knowledge, skills, and practical experiences that will enable them to become climate change advocates and leaders within their communities.
The specific objectives are to:
1. Sensitize students on the causes, effects, and consequences of climate change in relatable terms.
2. Equip students with practical tools and activities—such as tree planting, recycling, and upcycling—that promote environmental sustainability.
3. Use Photovoice as a creative medium to empower students to identify environmental challenges and propose solutions through storytelling and visual advocacy.
4. Foster the creation of student-led environmental initiatives, such as eco-clubs, to encourage ongoing peer-to-peer education and action.
Intended Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries are 1,000 students across five public secondary schools in Ibadan. They were chosen because they come from low-income households and, in some cases, displaced backgrounds, where access to environmental education is limited or nonexistent. By targeting this group, the project ensures that vulnerable young people are not left behind in the global fight against climate change. These students are expected to benefit by gaining knowledge, leadership skills, and practical experience that empower them to act as climate ambassadors in their schools, families, and communities.
Sustainability and Scaling
The impacts of the project will be sustained through the establishment of eco-clubs in each school, supported by teachers who will serve as local coordinators. The planted trees will remain as lasting symbols of the project’s message while contributing to environmental health. Photovoice outputs (photos and stories) will serve as advocacy tools for future awareness campaigns.
The project has strong potential for replication and scaling across more schools in Oyo State and beyond, given its low-cost, participatory model that combines education with hands-on, community-driven action.
Expected result
This project is designed with clear, measurable outcomes to ensure that its impact is both meaningful and sustainable. The expected results align with the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
1. Increased Climate Knowledge and Awareness
Specific: By the end of the project, 1,000 students across five public secondary schools will demonstrate increased understanding of the causes, consequences, and solutions to climate change.
Measurable: Pre- and post-session surveys will show at least a 70% improvement in students’ knowledge of climate change concepts.
Achievable: The sensitization sessions will use interactive methods tailored to the students’ learning levels.
Relevant: Knowledge is the foundation for sustainable action and advocacy.
Time-Bound: This will be achieved within the six-month project timeline.
2. Active Student Engagement in Environmental Action
Specific: Students will engage in tree planting and Photovoice activities to apply their learning.
Measurable: A total of 50 queen palm trees (10 per school) will be planted, and at least 500 photographs with captions will be produced by students as part of Photovoice.
Achievable: Tools, materials, and training will be provided during the project period.
Relevant: These activities reinforce learning by connecting knowledge with practice.
Time-Bound: Planting and Photovoice activities will be completed within the project cycle.
3. Creation of Student-Led Eco-Clubs
Specific: At least one eco-club will be established in each participating school, guided by a teacher coordinator.
Measurable: Five eco-clubs will be active by the project’s close, with each having at least 20 committed student members.
Achievable: Teacher support and peer motivation will sustain these clubs.
Relevant: Eco-clubs provide a long-term platform for climate advocacy and peer-to-peer education.
Time-Bound: Clubs will be set up during the final phase of the project and continue beyond it.
4. Student-Led Advocacy and Behavior Change
Specific: Students will implement small projects (such as recycling drives or anti-plastic campaigns) within their schools.
Measurable: At least five student-led advocacy activities will be documented across the participating schools.
Achievable: Guidance from facilitators will help students design realistic, low-cost actions.
Relevant: Encourages ownership, leadership, and transfer of knowledge to peers and families.
Time-Bound: These activities will be initiated within the project timeline.
5. Broader Community Sensitization
Specific: Students will share their knowledge and Photovoice outputs with peers and families, creating ripple effects.
Measurable: Each student is expected to reach at least two peers/family members, extending the project’s reach to over 2,000 indirect beneficiaries.
Achievable: Storytelling, photos, and eco-club campaigns will facilitate outreach.
Relevant: Extends project impact beyond the classroom to communities.
Time-Bound: Ripple effects will begin within the project period and continue thereafter.
Monitoring Capacity
The project team will monitor results through surveys, attendance records, Photovoice documentation, and teacher feedback. Tree survival will be tracked, and eco-club activities will be logged for sustainability reporting.
About me / organisation
Esther Omobowale
Project Coordinator – Esther Jesunifemi Omobowale (23)
Esther Jesunifemi Omobowale is a Sociology graduate from the University of Ibadan. She is a 2025 awardee of the Youth Mobilization Grant and has a strong background in youth action, climate education, and community development. Esther has served in various leadership and volunteer roles with the World Literacy Foundation, SDSN Youth Nigeria, Enactus UI, and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. She has successfully coordinated youth-driven projects that combine education, sustainability, and advocacy to empower young people. With her experience in project management and stakeholder engagement, she provides overall leadership for the project, ensuring that goals and timelines are met.
Co-Leads and Team Members
The project is implemented by a dedicated team of seven young volunteers with diverse skills:
Elisha Jesusurefunmi Omobowale (21) – Climate Education Facilitator, passionate about mentoring students and simplifying climate concepts.
Abosede Omowunmi Kemisola (23) – Tree Planting & Sustainability Officer, committed to promoting eco-clubs and green initiatives.
Godwin Oyedele Oyewale – Photovoice, Creative Engagement & Social Media Officer, skilled in creative storytelling and digital advocacy.
Aduroja Goodness Oreoluwa (22) – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, experienced in data gathering and reporting.
Mary Dasolu Rotimi (21) – School Liaison & Community Engagement Officer, strong in mobilization and local partnerships.
Adewale Samuel (25) – Logistics & Welfare Officer, ensures smooth logistics and welfare support for activities.
Together, the project leaders bring expertise in education, sustainability, media advocacy, monitoring, and logistics, ensuring the initiative is impactful and replicable.