Young learners have been called upon to take an active role in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation as pollution and waste management continue to pose serious challenges across the country.
This message was emphasized during a visit by the First Lady’s Rachael Ruto’s Mazingira Award representative, Sheila Shifo Mbiru who presented trophies, laptops and tablets to Bloomington Junior Academy in Thika. The school proudly celebrated its four pupils who were among the 60 winners of last year’s prestigious Mazingira Awards.
Speaking at the event, Sheila underscored the need for a collaborative approach to tackling pollution and waste management, highlighting the importance of engaging young learners in environmental conservation through creative expressions like art, music, painting, drawing, and essay writing, as well as social media advocacy.
“The children’s voices, captured through their artistic pieces, are a testament to their deep concern about pollution and environmental degradation. Their artwork reflected real issues such as industrial pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement. It is clear that they recognize the damage being done to their future, and we urge them to continue playing a proactive role in conservation efforts,” Sheila said.
One of the young environmental champions, Philip Mbogo a Grade 8 pupil whose drawing for the Mazingira Award depicted water pollution, lamented the slow pace of intervention by county governments.
“Our rivers are choked with industrial and human waste. Deforestation is worsening. While we appreciate the government’s initiative to spearhead the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, more must be done to ensure effective environmental conservation,” Mbogo stated.
Bloomington School Director Peninah Ndung’u emphasized the urgent need for humanity to restore the environment, noting that educational institutions should spearhead awareness campaigns and involve learners in conservation efforts.
“We have significantly harmed our planet, and it is our responsibility to restore it. Schools must take the lead in instilling environmental consciousness in children because they are the future custodians of the Earth,” she said.
Peninah said Bloomington Junior Academy stood out as one of the few institutions in the country that had multiple winners in the Mazingira Awards, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young environmental advocates.
She lauded the Mazingira Award for enlightening young learners on environmental issues and inspiring them to take action.
“This prestigious award has opened the eyes of our pupils. Through art, they have expressed their concerns and challenged authorities to act. Their voices, expressed through creativity, serve as a powerful reminder that the future of the planet is in everyone’s hands,” she said.