As part of capacity building of students in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address climate change, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) with support of Global Environment Facility-Small Grant Programme (GEF-SGP) established environmental clubs in 20 secondary schools in the FCT in 2017. This project has enhanced the adoption of environmental conservation practices among students in secondary schools in FCT.
Over time, the 20 environmental clubs across the FCT have engaged in different activities to promote environmental sustainability in their schools and the society at large. The students and teachers have become green champions and environmental advocates.
During the Africa Day of Action 2019 and the global Fridays for Future event in Abuja Nigeria on the 24th of May supported by 350 Africa, the environmental club of Government Science and Technical College, Area 3 alongside 15 other environmental clubs across the Federal Capital Territory, produced strong environmental messages through artworks otherwise known as parachutes for climate.
Amnesty International Nigeria, in recognition of the contribution of students of Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki Abuja in taking climate actions, awards the Environmental club of GSTC the Ambassador of Conscience Award 2019. The award is in recognition of their active participation of the Fridays for Future movement led by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and also for the innovative climate actions they continue to take one step at a time.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award is Amnesty International’s highest honour, celebrating people who have shown unique leadership and courage in standing up for human rights.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award which was founded in 2002 to celebrate individuals and groups who have furthered the cause of human rights by acting on their conscience, confronting injustice and using their talents to inspire others.
Everyone at GIFSEP congratulates every member of the environmental club in Government Science and Technical College, Area 3, Abuja.
By Ibrahim Joseph and Blessing Olawole