NGO Introduces Environmental Leadership Programme for School Children in Kaduna

A non-governmental organization, Bridge That Gap Initiative (BTGI), is empowering school children in Kaduna State with environmental leadership skills through its Green Savers Club (GSC) programme.

The initiative aims to nurture a new generation of climate-conscious leaders by introducing environmental education and practical climate action activities in primary and secondary schools. Through the programme, students are encouraged to participate in tree planting, waste management projects, environmental conservation activities, and school-based eco-clubs.

Speaking on the programme, the Executive Director of BTGI, Gloria Bulus, explained that the Green Savers Club was created to bridge the gap between climate knowledge and action. According to her, the initiative helps young learners understand environmental challenges while equipping them with the skills needed to become agents of positive change in their communities.

The programme, which began in a single school in 2022, has expanded significantly and is now reaching students across Kaduna State. BTGI plans to further scale up the initiative in 2026 by establishing Green Savers Clubs in ten schools, with the goal of raising more environmentally responsible young leaders.

Currently, clubs have been established in four schools located in Kaduna North and Chikun Local Government Areas. The clubs provide safe and engaging spaces where students can learn about climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable living practices.

Bulus noted that the programme helps students connect global environmental challenges with issues affecting their local communities. By integrating climate education into school activities, students develop the knowledge, values, and leadership skills necessary to contribute to environmental sustainability.

To strengthen the initiative, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation developed a Climate Change Children and Youth Action Manual, which serves as a guide for participating students. The manual offers age-appropriate climate education resources, introducing younger children to environmental concepts through engaging activities while providing older students with practical knowledge and leadership opportunities.

The Green Savers Club has already attracted more than 250 student members across its first four schools. BTGI hopes to increase participation to at least 1,000 students in ten schools by the end of 2026.

As part of its environmental education efforts, the organization also plans to integrate its Earth Lungs Project into the Green Savers Clubs. The project focuses on planting, nurturing, and protecting trees in communities to improve air quality, strengthen climate resilience, and support biodiversity.

A key component of the project is the Tree Logbook, a monitoring tool designed to help students track the growth and care of trees they plant. The logbook encourages responsibility and ensures that planted trees continue to thrive over time.

According to BTGI, the Earth Lungs Project seeks to expand green spaces, restore ecosystems, and encourage community participation in environmental conservation. The initiative is also expected to improve environmental awareness while promoting healthier and more sustainable communities.

The organization believes that schools play a critical role in shaping future environmental leaders. Through the Green Savers Clubs and the Earth Lungs Project, students are being equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to climate action and environmental protection.

By empowering young people to take ownership of environmental challenges, the programme is helping to build a generation of responsible citizens committed to creating a greener and more sustainable future.