Project CLEAP: Educating IDP Women and Girls for Climate Action.

FAME Foundation organized its second community outreach program for September- Climate Education, Awareness, and Advocacy Program (CLEAP), under the Green Ball Project.

This event was held at the IDP camp in Durumi, Area 1, Abuja, on 16th of September, 2023 and it had in attendance 80 women and 20 girls.

Ms. Olayinka Mariam Ajani, an Environmental Health Education expert, led the educational session, providing insights on the Key Steps in Combating Climate Change.

She started by defining climate change to be a long-term shift in weather patterns, she continued by outlining the key steps to combat climate change and how to enhance sustainability within the IDP camp.
The first strategy she highlighted was energy efficiency, encouraging the use of energy-saving appliances and light bulbs to lower electricity consumption and subsequently reduce carbon footprint. Proper waste management, including recycling and composting organic waste, was identified as another vital approach to minimize pollution.

Ms. Olayinka emphasized the importance of the “Reduce, Reuse, Repair & Recycle” principle, which reduce carbon emissions generated from transportation, and disposal of various items. To combat possible water scarcity due to climate change, she advised the participants to conserve water by repairing leaks, using water-saving equipment, and harvesting rainfall.

She went further to advocate for community initiatives like starting a communal garden to cultivate fruits and vegetables locally, which will greatly enhance and promote a healthier lifestyle. Planting trees within the camp was highlighted to provide shade, thereby contributing to a cooler environment during hot weather.

Participants were kept active during the session by asking questions and having conversations. The interactive nature of the outreach enabled participants to not only ask questions but also share their knowledge on climate change and how it has impacted their daily lives.

Lastly, Ms. Olayinka emphasized the value of information in tackling climate change and urged the participants to keep up with climate change updates to make informed decisions.

The session concluded by emphasizing the collective impact of small actions in making a positive difference in the fight against climate change.