Advocacy

By Joshua Chilenga “The Intersection of FreeEducation and ClimateChange in Zambia” Education is a fundamental right for every child, as enshrined in Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In Zambia, the government has made strides in ensuring that every child has access to free primary education. However, there is still much to be done to improve access toeducation for all children, particularly in rural areas. In addition, there is need to address the impacts of climate change, which have far-reaching consequences for children’s rights,including their right to education. Article 4 of the CRC recognizes the need to protect children’s rights in situations of environmental crisis. Zambia is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change,including droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. These eventscan have a significant impact on children’s access to education,particularly in rural areas. For example, droughts can lead to waterscarcity, making it difficult for children to attend school orconcentrate on their studies. Floods can damage schoolinfrastructure and disrupt transportation, making it difficult forchildren to reach their schools. To address the impacts of climate change on children’s education, it is essential to adopt a multi-sectorial approach that involvesdifferent stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and communities. This approach should prioritizebuilding resilience among children and their families, particularlyin rural areas where the impacts of climate change are often feltmost acutely. One strategy for building resilience is to improve access to cleanwater and sanitation, which can help mitigate the effects ofdroughts and floods. In addition, there is a need to invest inclimate-smart agriculture and other sustainable livelihoods, whichcan provide families with a reliable source of income and food, evenin the face of climate change. Education can also play a vital role in building resilience andaddressing the impacts of climate change. By integrating climatechange education into the curriculum, children can learn about thecauses and effects of climate change, as well as strategies formitigating its impact. Education can also provide children with theskills and knowledge they need to adapt to changing environmentalconditions. While Zambia has made significant strides in ensuring access to freeprimary education, there is still much to be done to improve accessto education for all children, particularly in rural areas. In addition,addressing the impacts of climate change on children’s education isessential to protect their rights, enshrined in Article 4 of the CRC. Amulti-sectorial approach that prioritizes building resilience amongchildren and their families, as well as integrating climate changeeducation into the curriculum, can help ensure that every child inZambia has access to quality education, regardless of theirenvironmental circumstances.  

By Daniel Lungu Deforestation activities near Lundazi Bridge Climate change refers to long-term change in the Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and extreme weather events that and primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and agriculture as seen in the pictures above. Trees where cut down during the construction of the Lundazi bridge. Cutting down of trees has affected a lot of children health wise. Trees play a vital role in removing pollutants from the air such as particulate matter and ozone which causes respiratory problems and other health issues in children. The deforestation that humans have been creativity because of our selfish needs and desire for income has led to increased air pollution, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of respiratory infections. In an interview Mr. Mambwe Mulenga, from the Forestry Department of Lundazi District, said deforestation has affected some of the weather patterns and people can actually help by reforestation and recycling matter that cannot decay. Trees help to hold soil in place and prevent soil erosion which leads to a negative impact in agriculture and food production. Overall, deforestation and the cutting down of trees can have various impacts on children, and it is essential to promote sustainable forest management and protect the health and well-being of future generations. Let us fight the cutting down of trees and actually fight against climate change.  

By Namakando Namakando Climate change continues to impact the residents of Shangombo District, as evidenced by the ongoing hunger situation in the district. Most farmers faced unsuccessful harvests due to changing weather patterns affecting all crops. Mr. Lubinda Lufwendo, the Deputy Head Teacher for Shangombo Secondary School, revealed that the school has established a weather station for agricultural purposes. He mentioned that relevant authorities would visit the school to monitor weather patterns. Given the district’s challenges with drought, Mr. Lufwendo emphasized the importance of guiding farmers to plant drought resistant crops. This, he believes, would benefit not only learners but also the broader community. He urged relevant authorities to effectively utilize the weather station to consistently assist the community. “The weather station will help farmers adapt and adjust. I appeal to relevant authorities to use it effectively and provide regular advice to the community regarding weather patterns,” he stressed. In the meantime, District Commissioner Mr. Mubita Siyamana acknowledged assistance from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) but highlighted the need for additional support. He made a compassionate appeal to the government and NGOs to collaborate in addressing the serious hunger situation facing the district, which surpasses previous years. “I urge farmers to opt for drought-resistant crops to withstand this climate change situation, and the district should be assured that the government will support them,” he assured.