Schools and parents have been urged to prioritize environmental education and empower young people to become eco-conscious leaders.
Rachael Mwagale, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Uganda, emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation and the need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to protect the planet. She was speaking at the Company of the Year National Contest and Awarding ceremony at UMA Show Grounds Lugogo on Thursday.
“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take action now,” Mwagale urged. “By teaching younger people how to preserve the environment, we are investing in a sustainable future and ensuring that they inherit a healthy planet.”
The event was organized by Junior Achievement Uganda (JA), a non-profit organization that has been promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness skills among young people. The organization is now focusing on environmental sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
Mwagale says schools and parents play a significant role in shaping young minds and promoting environmentally friendly practices. She encouraged schools to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum and engage their children in eco-friendly activities.
By inspiring a love for nature and a sense of responsibility among young people, Mwagale believes that Uganda can build a generation of eco-conscious leaders who will drive positive change and ensure a sustainable future for all.
“JA-uganda goal is to see younger people achieve through entrepreneurship education initiative, so by school children start doing business will help them be job creators not seekers in future, when you look to those with companies that make briquettes, solar slashing machine, plastic pevers among others ” Mwagale says.
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of private schools and institutions, George Mutekanga highlighted the critical role that education plays in shaping young minds and promoting sustainable development. He emphasized that the new curriculum will incorporate environmental education, enabling students to understand the importance of conservation and sustainability.
“The new secondary curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world,” Mutekanga explained.
He added that the new curriculum will focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, enabling students to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. He encouraged teachers and educators to embrace the new curriculum and support students in their journey to become environmentally responsible citizens.
“By integrating environmental education into the secondary curriculum, Uganda aims to cultivate a generation of eco-conscious leaders who will drive positive change and ensure a sustainable” mutekanga disclosed
