Students of St. Anselm Anglican Junior High School in Sunyani have taken a bold step towards environmental conservation following a World Environment Day 2026 celebration that combined climate education, literacy activities and practical action to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
The event, organised by EcoResilience Network in collaboration with the ReadSpell Literacy Foundation, brought together students, teachers and environmental advocates for a day of learning and action aimed at promoting sustainability and climate resilience.
As a highlight of the programme, students joined officials of the two organisations to plant ten coconut seedlings on the school compound. A watering can was also donated to the school to support the maintenance of the trees and ensure their long-term survival.
Environmental protection
The initiative formed part of efforts to encourage young people to take an active role in environmental protection while fostering a culture of responsibility towards natural resources.
During educational sessions, students were introduced to key environmental issues, including biodiversity conservation, climate change and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Facilitators explained how practices such as deforestation, pollution, bush burning and the excessive use of fossil fuels contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.
The students also learned about the consequences of these activities, including flooding, drought, food insecurity and the loss of biodiversity, as well as practical solutions such as tree planting, proper waste disposal, water conservation and environmental advocacy.
Education
A unique aspect of the programme was the integration of literacy and environmental education. Students participated in a reading session and presented poems centred on climate change and environmental protection, demonstrating a growing awareness of the challenges facing the planet and the need for collective action.
To reinforce lessons learned, organisers conducted an interactive quiz competition involving JHS One and JHS Two students. The competition generated excitement and healthy rivalry among participants while deepening their understanding of climate and environmental issues.
The Headmistress, teachers and students of St. Anselm Anglican JHS actively participated in the activities, contributing to what organisers described as a highly successful and impactful programme.
Climate change
Speaking at the event, the organisers stressed the important role young people can play in tackling climate change and safeguarding the environment. They encouraged students to become climate champions and advocates for sustainable practices within their schools and communities.
The programme culminated in a Climate Action Pledge, during which students committed themselves to protecting nature, keeping their surroundings clean, planting and nurturing trees, and promoting environmental responsibility.
Dr. Mrs Abena Owusu Adjapong, the Executive Director of EcoResilience Network and Salomey Kwabea Agyei of the Readspell Literacy Foundation noted that the tree-planting exercise and climate action pledge provided practical demonstrations of environmental stewardship and left a lasting legacy on the school campus.
They expressed optimism that the knowledge and experiences gained from the programme would inspire participants to champion climate action and environmental sustainability in their homes, schools and communities.
In a presentation, Dr. Mrs Abena Owusu Adjapong highlighted major causes of climate change, including deforestation, pollution, bush burning, and the burning of fossil fuels, as well as their effects such as flooding, drought, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity.
With growing concerns over climate change and environmental degradation, the initiative highlighted the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to build a more sustainable future.
Enthusiasm
Administrator of EcoResilience Network, Priscilla Abena Pamfoh, in an interview, praised the enthusiasm shown by the students and the support provided by the school authorities, teachers and the Ghana Education Service.
She noted that the interactive approach adopted during the programme enhanced students’ understanding of environmental challenges and encouraged them to see themselves as part of the solution.
“The enthusiasm displayed by the students, coupled with the support of the school administration, teachers and the Ghana Education Service, created an enabling environment for learning and participation,” she said.
