Successful conclusion to Sierra Leone's "Make the Link, Be the Change"

On 17th October, Plan Sierra Leone gave out certificates at the British Council Hall, Freetown. It was the climax of intensive practical work on climate change project – “Make the link, be the change”. Four Sierra Leone junior secondary schools: Albert Academy, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Methodist Boys High School and Sierra Leone Grammar School, took part. 

The project commenced twelve months ago, linking young people from 100 schools in 11 countries.

School children involved in the project in Sierra Leone, the UK and across the world, took part in practical work. Trees were planted and local environments cleaned regularly.  Those participating also acquired a better understanding of climate change and its causes and effects. As they learnt they were able to participate in international discussions on the issue.

Filax Kamara, a teacher at St. Joseph’s, described how the school took part in a tree planting exercise, and also made field visits to areas where flooding and landslides occurred recently due to deforestation on the hills. She emphasised the importance of using the media effectively to discuss the causes and effects of climate change and also identify ways of minimising casualties.

The Director of Curriculum Development, Ministry of Education Youth and Sports, Mr Momoh, stated that the project will continue in Sierra Leone, and will be included in the school curriculum. 

Plan Sierra Leone’s Country Director, Madam Fadimata Alainchar, said “People have been indiscriminately exploiting the land and sea which has been giving rise to various mishaps in terms of flooding and erosion. Plan Sierra Leone undertook this project in order to raise the awareness of climate change disaster, and (will) continue (to) support ...related projects.”

Certificates were presented to 120 pupils from Sierra Leone, who participated in the Climate Change project.