Green Schools for Environmental Care and Behavior project Turkana, Kenya
Date Published:
The project summary
The Green Schools for Environmental Care and Behavior project aims to tackle environmental challenges in Turkana, an ASAL area, by fostering sustainability through education. By conducting seminars, and workshops, and establishing environmental clubs, the project seeks to increase awareness, empower students, and promote sustainable practices. Through collaboration with local communities, it aims to implement climate change adaptation strategies, ultimately leading to reduced environmental impact, enhanced resilience, and long-term sustainability in Turkana.
The Solutions proposed.
The project proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges in Turkana, an arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) area heavily impacted by climate change. The project's primary focus is on education and community engagement to foster sustainable practices and resilience.
Sector: The project primarily operates within the education and community development sectors. It aims to integrate environmental education into school curricula and community development programs, thereby embedding sustainability principles within these systems.
Approach: The project employs a multi-faceted approach:
Environmental Awareness Seminars: These seminars target both students and parents, aiming to increase understanding of environmental issues and the impacts of climate change.
Hands-on Workshops: Practical workshops will teach sustainable practices such as water conservation and eco-friendly agriculture. This includes introducing kitchen gardens in households for improved nutrition and income generation.
Environmental Clubs: Establishing school-based environmental clubs empowers students to take an active role in environmental initiatives, promoting behaviors like cleanliness, waste management, and tree planting.
Community Collaboration: Engaging with local communities, the project aims to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies, including drought-resistant farming techniques and water management practices.
Region: The project is targeted specifically at Turkana South, an ASAL region in Kenya facing severe environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. This region represents a critical area where sustainable practices and climate resilience are urgently needed.
Innovation: What sets this project apart is its holistic approach, integrating education, community engagement, and practical solutions. By targeting students and parents, it aims to create a ripple effect of sustainable behaviors within households and communities. Additionally, the project's focus on hands-on workshops and the establishment of environmental clubs ensures active participation and long-term engagement, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Deployment and Scaling Up: The project will start with pilot initiatives in select schools and communities in Turkana South. Successes and lessons learned will inform the scaling-up process, expanding to more schools and communities within Turkana and potentially to other ASAL regions facing similar challenges.
The primary goals and outcomes
Increased Awareness: By the end of Year 1, conduct environmental seminars reaching 80% of targeted students and parents, with at least 70% reporting increased understanding of environmental issues and climate change impacts.
Adoption of Sustainable Practices: Within two years, implement hands-on workshops in 50% of targeted households and schools, leading to measurable improvements such as a 20% reduction in water usage and a 30% increase in the adoption of eco-friendly agriculture methods.
Empowerment of Students: Establish environmental clubs in all targeted schools within the first year, with active participation from at least 60% of students. By Year 3, observe a 15% increase in student-led environmental initiatives within schools and communities.
Community Resilience: Collaborate with local communities to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies within the first two years, leading to measurable improvements such as a 25% increase in the adoption of drought-resistant farming techniques and a 20% reduction in water-related conflicts.
Stakeholder Engagement: By Year 3, achieve active participation from local authorities and community leaders in project activities, with at least 70% expressing commitment to continued support and collaboration.
Attitude and Behavior Change: Conduct baseline and end-line surveys to measure changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. Aim for a 25% increase in pro-environmental behaviors (e.g., waste reduction, tree planting) among targeted communities within three years.
These goals and outcomes align with the selection criteria of climate impact, feasibility, and co-benefits. The project's focus on education and community engagement ensures its feasibility and potential for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable practices and climate resilience measures directly contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change, while also offering co-benefits such as improved livelihoods and community cohesion.
Team member/organization bio
The Turkana Eco-Green Organization team brings a diverse range of expertise relevant to the development and implementation of climate solutions. Led by Stephen Loolel Ekitela, who holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in engineering with a focus on international climate cooperation, the team benefits from his extensive knowledge in environmental sciences and climate change response strategies. Aaron Echwaa, with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, serves as the Head of Sustainability, leveraging his expertise in project finance and financial analysis to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed initiatives. Betty Akeno Sike, the Vice Chairperson, brings knowledge in natural resource management through her bachelor’s degree. Micah Lopese, the Secretary-General, holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, contributing expertise in environmental research and planning. Quinter Akolong Longor, the Treasurer, holds a Diploma in Environmental Science and IT, providing valuable insights into both environmental science and information technology. Together, this team possesses a well-rounded skill set encompassing environmental science, finance, project management, and international climate cooperation, which positions them well to lead the development and implementation of the proposed climate solution.
Budget overview
With $500,000 the budget breakdown would allocate approximately 60% ($300,000) to infrastructure costs, covering materials for workshops, establishment of environmental clubs, and implementation of adaptation strategies. The remaining 40% ($200,000) would be allocated to personnel costs, including salaries for project staff, training expenses, and community outreach activities. This funding would enable the team to effectively execute the proposed climate solution, driving impactful change in Turkana South's environmental conservation and behavior transformation efforts.
The Green Schools for Environmental Care and Behavior project aims to tackle environmental challenges in Turkana, an ASAL area, by fostering sustainability through education. By conducting seminars, and workshops, and establishing environmental clubs, the project seeks to increase awareness, empower students, and promote sustainable practices. Through collaboration with local communities, it aims to implement climate change adaptation strategies, ultimately leading to reduced environmental impact, enhanced resilience, and long-term sustainability in Turkana.
The Solutions proposed.
The project proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges in Turkana, an arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) area heavily impacted by climate change. The project's primary focus is on education and community engagement to foster sustainable practices and resilience.
Sector: The project primarily operates within the education and community development sectors. It aims to integrate environmental education into school curricula and community development programs, thereby embedding sustainability principles within these systems.
Approach: The project employs a multi-faceted approach:
Environmental Awareness Seminars: These seminars target both students and parents, aiming to increase understanding of environmental issues and the impacts of climate change.
Hands-on Workshops: Practical workshops will teach sustainable practices such as water conservation and eco-friendly agriculture. This includes introducing kitchen gardens in households for improved nutrition and income generation.
Environmental Clubs: Establishing school-based environmental clubs empowers students to take an active role in environmental initiatives, promoting behaviors like cleanliness, waste management, and tree planting.
Community Collaboration: Engaging with local communities, the project aims to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies, including drought-resistant farming techniques and water management practices.
Region: The project is targeted specifically at Turkana South, an ASAL region in Kenya facing severe environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. This region represents a critical area where sustainable practices and climate resilience are urgently needed.
Innovation: What sets this project apart is its holistic approach, integrating education, community engagement, and practical solutions. By targeting students and parents, it aims to create a ripple effect of sustainable behaviors within households and communities. Additionally, the project's focus on hands-on workshops and the establishment of environmental clubs ensures active participation and long-term engagement, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Deployment and Scaling Up: The project will start with pilot initiatives in select schools and communities in Turkana South. Successes and lessons learned will inform the scaling-up process, expanding to more schools and communities within Turkana and potentially to other ASAL regions facing similar challenges.
The primary goals and outcomes
Increased Awareness: By the end of Year 1, conduct environmental seminars reaching 80% of targeted students and parents, with at least 70% reporting increased understanding of environmental issues and climate change impacts.
Adoption of Sustainable Practices: Within two years, implement hands-on workshops in 50% of targeted households and schools, leading to measurable improvements such as a 20% reduction in water usage and a 30% increase in the adoption of eco-friendly agriculture methods.
Empowerment of Students: Establish environmental clubs in all targeted schools within the first year, with active participation from at least 60% of students. By Year 3, observe a 15% increase in student-led environmental initiatives within schools and communities.
Community Resilience: Collaborate with local communities to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies within the first two years, leading to measurable improvements such as a 25% increase in the adoption of drought-resistant farming techniques and a 20% reduction in water-related conflicts.
Stakeholder Engagement: By Year 3, achieve active participation from local authorities and community leaders in project activities, with at least 70% expressing commitment to continued support and collaboration.
Attitude and Behavior Change: Conduct baseline and end-line surveys to measure changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. Aim for a 25% increase in pro-environmental behaviors (e.g., waste reduction, tree planting) among targeted communities within three years.
These goals and outcomes align with the selection criteria of climate impact, feasibility, and co-benefits. The project's focus on education and community engagement ensures its feasibility and potential for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable practices and climate resilience measures directly contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change, while also offering co-benefits such as improved livelihoods and community cohesion.
Team member/organization bio
The Turkana Eco-Green Organization team brings a diverse range of expertise relevant to the development and implementation of climate solutions. Led by Stephen Loolel Ekitela, who holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in engineering with a focus on international climate cooperation, the team benefits from his extensive knowledge in environmental sciences and climate change response strategies. Aaron Echwaa, with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, serves as the Head of Sustainability, leveraging his expertise in project finance and financial analysis to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed initiatives. Betty Akeno Sike, the Vice Chairperson, brings knowledge in natural resource management through her bachelor’s degree. Micah Lopese, the Secretary-General, holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, contributing expertise in environmental research and planning. Quinter Akolong Longor, the Treasurer, holds a Diploma in Environmental Science and IT, providing valuable insights into both environmental science and information technology. Together, this team possesses a well-rounded skill set encompassing environmental science, finance, project management, and international climate cooperation, which positions them well to lead the development and implementation of the proposed climate solution.
Budget overview
With $500,000 the budget breakdown would allocate approximately 60% ($300,000) to infrastructure costs, covering materials for workshops, establishment of environmental clubs, and implementation of adaptation strategies. The remaining 40% ($200,000) would be allocated to personnel costs, including salaries for project staff, training expenses, and community outreach activities. This funding would enable the team to effectively execute the proposed climate solution, driving impactful change in Turkana South's environmental conservation and behavior transformation efforts.
