Accra Dances Movement for Climate Change

The Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) is pleased to present the progress report for the Accra Dances Movement: Dance for Climate Change, which supports the Zero Waste Project. This project is focused on equipping street-connected children with essential knowledge of the 5Rs of waste management (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle) and teaching them the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene. Zero Waste advocates for children’s rights to access clean water and educates the community on plastic waste and climate change issues. The project also aims to empower children to become activists for a clean environment and water, contributing to the promotion of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Dance serves as a powerful tool of expression for these children, allowing them to use their movements to advocate for change.

Progress Highlights (June-September)

Ghana is currently facing significant challenges related to the pollution of water bodies, particularly due to illegal mining in rivers and plastic waste. These environmental issues have heightened the urgency for advocacy and action. At SCEF, we are committed to continuing our advocacy for clean water and a healthier environment.

To strengthen our efforts, SCEF has established a partnership with Dancers Without Borders, a professional dance group that uses dance as a medium to advocate for environmental causes. This collaboration has led to a two-year dance exchange program between the Accra Dances Movement and Dancers Without Borders, aimed at harnessing the power of diversity to address real-life issues like plastic pollution. As part of this initiative, Mr. Paul Semeh, the site leader for Accra Dances Movement, attended a two-week intensive seminar focused on the requirements and processes for the exchange program. This training provided him with the knowledge needed to submit the proper application documents and guide the Accra Dances Movement in implementing the exchange program effectively.

As environmental advocates, the Accra Dances Movement found it necessary to stage a short dance performance at the shores of Jamestown, where plastic waste continues to threaten the coastal ecosystem and aquatic life. This performance, featuring eight Accra Dance Movement advocates, used the art of dance to convey a powerful message about the harmful impact of plastic pollution.

The performance was also shared with the Global Water Dance 2025 team, serving as part of our application to continue participating in this global event that calls for action on climate change. Preparations for the next phase are already underway, with rehearsals set to begin soon. These rehearsals will equip the children with the appropriate dance moves to send a compelling message to the world about the water issues we are committed to addressing.

Links:

• IG