Climate Action Campaign Through Children’s Education in Schools
By Jasmin, Jessica - SPEAK Indonesia
From October to December 2024, an inspiring initiative unfolded in North Jakarta, led by the Women Federation Penjaringan (WFPJ) and the Women Federation Sukapura (WFSK). These dedicated organisations embarked on a mission to ignite climate education among students at four high schools: SMAN 111 Penjaringan, SMA Yaniic Sukapura, SMPN 21 Penjaringan, and SMPN 289 Sukapura. Their unwavering efforts raised awareness and equipped over 1,000 students and teachers with essential climate change adaptation and mitigation knowledge.
The Women Federations (WFs) took a proactive approach, collaborating closely with schools to design educational activities tailored to their unique student communities. By integrating climate change topics into learning, they made it easier for students to engage with and apply adaptation and mitigation strategies in their lives. For instance, WFSK partnered with SMA Yaniic Sukapura to weave climate education into the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). This collaboration highlighted pressing issues like food security, recycling, and Clean and Healthy Living Behavior. Over a month, WFSK acted as educators and resource people, empowering approximately 200 students in grades 10 and 11 to lead climate action campaigns. Their creativity shone through various mediums, from exhibitions and videos to recycled art projects that captivated their peers and the wider community.
Not stopping there, WFSK also engaged with SMPN 289 Sukapura through hands-on mentoring focused on establishing waste banks. This initiative targeted 300 students in grades 7, 8, and 9 and aimed at fostering a deep understanding of sustainable waste management practices. By facilitating regular waste sorting activities and collaborating with the school and the North Jakarta Environmental Sub-agency, the Sukapura Women Federation created a strong network to tackle waste issues head-on.
Meanwhile, in Penjaringan, WFPJ infused climate change awareness into the daily routines of SMAN 11 and SMPN 21 by integrating educational activities with morning habituation programmes. Acting as both educators and facilitators, WFPJ was instrumental in bridging the gap between schools and the Environmental Sub-Agency for North Jakarta, focusing on waste management and the establishment of a waste bank. Their efforts significantly enhanced climate consciousness among students, impacting 1,000 high schoolers directly.
These transformative climate education efforts are the product of a powerful collaboration between schools, students, and local government. WFPJ plays a crucial role in fostering the capacity of student councils to champion climate initiatives within their schools. By cultivating partnerships with the Environmental Agency, WFPJ ensures the sustainability of these climate actions and emphasises the necessity of government support in monitoring and addressing climate challenges.
In short, the Women Federations have not only educated students about climate change but have also empowered them to become proactive agents of change in their communities.
