Climate Action Kenya Project #58801

ECOS: Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystem in Kenya

by ALEIMAR - Voluntary Organization

Project Report | Dec 20, 2024
Environment first: our contrete actions in Kenya

By Francesca Pellegatta | Project Leader

Dear Donors,

The period from September to December has been a unique one for our project, as primary schools were focused on preparing for final exams, which limited our ability to directly intervene in classrooms. However, despite this challenge, we were able to continue with several initiatives that had a positive impact on both the schools and the local communities. Below is a summary of the main activities we accomplished during this period.

Construction of Rainwater Harvesting Systems
We completed the installation of six rainwater harvesting systems in the six schools involved in the Ecos project. These systems were designed to improve the water supply in the schools, with particular emphasis on using the collected water for irrigation of school gardens. This initiative not only addresses the need for potable water but also promotes self-sufficiency and agricultural sustainability in the schools, supporting environmental education activities.

Continuation of Environmental Education Sessions
Although we were unable to conduct direct classroom interventions, environmental education sessions continued in the schools. These sessions, focused on food security and waste management, were led by the teachers of class 4k and the members of the Environmental Clubs, who had attended training courses on these topics in August, conducted by the Ecos project staff. The sessions provided an opportunity to raise awareness among the students about sustainable practices, preparing the ground for future practical actions in the schools.

Tree Planting in Schools
In addition to the ongoing educational activities, we also carried out a tree planting initiative in all six schools. With the support of the Environmental and 4K Clubs, we planted a variety of trees across the school grounds. This effort not only helps to green the school environment but also serves as an educational opportunity for students to learn about the importance of trees in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and improving the local ecosystem.

Implementation of Keyhole Gardens in Schools
Once the school term ended, we were able to resume working directly with teachers and students. With their involvement and the technical support of an agronomist, we built a Keyhole Garden in each of the six schools. This type of garden, made with locally available materials, is designed to maximize space and optimize the nutrients in the soil. Keyhole Gardens not only serve as an educational tool but also provide a valuable resource for improving food security in the schools.

Training Activities in the Kilifi Creek Area
Awareness-raising activities in the Kilifi Creek communities continued as planned, with training sessions focused on waste management, water pollution, and the importance of water conservation for environmental health. The communities of Maya, Mtongani, Kibokoni, and Ihaleni participated in interactive discussions and practical activities aimed at raising awareness about the impact of pollution and the need for concrete actions to protect local natural resources.

Thank you for being part of the change!

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Aug 26, 2024
Environmental awareness and community empowerment

By Francesca Pellegatta | Project Leader

Teachers training

Dear Donors,

We're pleased to share some exciting updates on our ongoing efforts. Our focus on environmental education and sustainability has led to the development of new initiatives aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. In particular, we've placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the capacity of educators and integrating the expertise of environmental specialists into our programs.

One of the key additions to our project is the inclusion of teacher training workshops. These sessions are specifically designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively teach students about environmental issues, such as ocean pollution, sustainable agricultural practices, waste recycling and food security. Through these workshops, teachers gain access to innovative teaching methods and resources, empowering them to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. We believe that by strengthening the role of educators, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.

Furthermore, we have partnered with experts in the fields of ocean pollution and food forests to enrich our educational modules. These specialists bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, providing students and teachers alike with deep insights into these critical areas.

In addition to these educational enhancements, we'll integrate hands-on activities and community engagement initiatives. Students will be involved in practical projects, such as creating and maintaining small-scale food forests on school grounds. These projects allow students to apply what they've learned in a tangible way, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility for its preservation.

Moreover, we are currently in the process of creating a comic book based on the diaries of good practices that have been written by the students as part of the twinning program between Kenyan and Italian schools, in collaboration with the International School of Comics in Milan. This comic book will serve as a creative and educational tool to share their experiences and environmental initiatives, fostering a deeper connection between the two cultures and promoting global awareness on sustainability.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a comprehensive educational experience that not only raises awareness but also empowers individuals to take meaningful action. The support of donors like you is crucial to the success of these programs, and we are deeply grateful for your continued involvement. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Thank you for being a part of this important journey.

Teachers training

Awareness raising about plastic waste

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Apr 19, 2024
Empowering Youth: Waste Awareness Workshops

By Elisa Cappai | Junior Project Manager

Dear Donors,

we're back with some updates from the field. The National Environment Management Authority has warned coastal Kilifi County that poor waste management poses a significant challenge, with tangible environmental and social consequences. The natural beauty of the region, with its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity, is threatened by the accumulation of waste, largely due to the lack of adequate infrastructure for waste collection and recycling. Plastic, in particular, is a significant problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in the seas every year, damaging marine ecosystems and threatening human health. Furthermore, the presence of waste negatively affects tourism, a vital sector for the local economy. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated commitment from local authorities, the community and international organizations, with a focus on awareness raising, environmental education and the implementation of sustainable solutions, such as promoting recycling and reducing the use of disposable plastic. Only through an integrated and collaborative approach will it be possible to preserve the beauty and environmental richness of the Kilifi coast for future generations.

Our representative Andrea Arisi is conducting environmental awareness workshops on the topic of waste. These workshops are designed to enrich the educational program of the local association Kesho Kenya, providing minors with a more in-depth understanding of waste-related issues and encouraging them to adopt more responsible behavior towards the environment.

Initially, an overview of the waste issue was provided, with particular emphasis on single-use plastic and its environmental consequences. The topic of microplastics and the concept of circular economy are then explored in depth, illustrating how reducing plastic consumption and promoting recycling can contribute to mitigating environmental pollution. An essential component of these workshops is the hands-on creative plastic recycling activity, where participants have the opportunity to directly experience the process of transforming plastic waste into new useful or decorative objects. This not only demonstrates the benefits of recycling but also fosters creativity and innovation among children, encouraging them to see waste as a resource. Afterward, participants are involved in writing a diary of good practices, in which they express their experiences, reflections and personal commitments to reduce their environmental impact. Finally, a twinning with Italian schools is planned, to encourage the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of environmental sustainability between young people of different cultures. This twinning not only amplifies the impact of the project but also promotes intercultural understanding and global collaboration in the fight against pollution and waste management.

Your contribution can make a difference and we hope you would like to be a part of this change!

Drawings: what is waste for me?

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