Schools packs and Global Youth Ambassadors help to unlock climate action

The eyes of the world right now are on one issue – the climate crisis. COP26 in Glasgow is grabbing all the headlines as world leaders meet to discuss how to tackle the looming disaster. 

But many of Theirworld’s Global Youth Ambassadors – our network of more than 1,000 amazing young activists – have their sights permanently fixed on the urgent need for climate action. They know that learning about the emergency is crucial and that education can give people the power and tools to take climate action. 

They include Beatrace Ndisha Mwanjala, 23, from Kenya. She features in Theirworld’s schools pack on climate action – part of our Teaching Resources, which are a series of free, UK-focused guides for students aged from seven to 16. 

Beatrace said: “I am passionate about climate change issues because I have seen the impacts on my family and the lives of other people. Unstable weather conditions and pest invasions are making it difficult for people to grow food.  

“Wild animals are migrating from place to place in search of food and water. This can make it dangerous for children on their journeys to and from school.” 

Beatrace supports tree planting and training activities in schools, as well as organising recycling contests and clean-up activities in parks and community spaces. 

Theirworld’s Teaching Resources help students discover how the power of learning can tackle major issues such as climate change, the refugee crisis and poverty. Although they have been designed to be used by teachers, they are a great source of information and ideas for anyone concerned about the climate emergency. 

In the climate action resource, we have four main activities for teachers to use in the classroom. They cover: 

• Why we need climate education
• How young people are taking climate action
• How education unlocks climate action 
• How people can create their own climate action plan 

The climate crisis also features in The Key, Theirworld’s online resource for education advocates. Packed with information, talking points and infographics, it includes a section on Education and Climate Change.  

As well as COP26, Glasgow has just hosted COY16, the UN Climate Change Conference of Youth. It was attended by another of our Global Youth Ambassadors – Yuv Sungkur from Mauritius. He said it was “a wonderful experience”, adding: “It is crucial for governments to start including climate education in their educational programmes to promote the importance of climate change.” 

In late September, the UN Youth Climate Summit was also held in Milan. Participants included Desmond Abinwi Fonto, a Global Youth Ambassador and climate activist from Cameroon. 

He said: “It is crucial for us to think about the legacy we leave and the actions we can take now to help future generations and create a healthy planet for them. Baby steps can lead to a mighty ocean – but leaders need to be doing more.” 

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