…As TESMI NIGERIA concludes 2024 Green Skills Summer Program in style
No fewer than 75 adolescents and young persons (AYPs) have been trained and empowered to take on the responsibility of protecting their environment.
This is as the 2024 edition of the Green Skills Summer Program has been described as a resounding success for meeting its goals of educating, empowering, and equipping young climate champions with the skills needed to address environmental challenges.
The recently concluded training held between August 5 – 23, 2024 at Igando New Town, Lagos, Nigeria.
The program was organised by Teen Smart Initiative Nigeria (TESMI) Nigeria saw the participants learning through a combination of theoretical learning, practical activities, and community engagement.
Presenting the comprehensive report of the Green Skills Summer Program, the Team Lead, TESMI Nigeria, Oluwafemi Adeshina said the organisation is proud to have contributed to the growth of the 75 young leaders, assuring that TESMI Nigeria will remain committed to supporting their continued efforts in creating a sustainable future.
The programme had 75 participants with support of five volunteers and other partners including: Think Positive Live Positive Support Initiative, The Momentum Support Initiative, Lekan Bakare Foundation, The Rainbow Alive Initiative, The Rainbow Guard Initiative, and Audrey Craft.
Appreciating the contributions and support of the partners and volunteers to the success of the Summer Program, Oluwafemi said their vital roles, unwavering support and collaboration through financial backing, volunteering, or sharing expertise “have been instrumental in empowering the participants and fostering a sustainable impact within the Igando community.
“We are truly grateful for their commitment to environmental stewardship and youth empowerment, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to create lasting change.”
He disclosed that the program was designed to equip adolescents and young persons (AYPs) with the knowledge, skills, and tools to become environmental stewards and climate champions, adding that the initiative focused on environmental education, particularly waste management and climate change awareness, alongside practical skill-building activities.
He said “TESMI Nigeria, through this summer program, sought to address the critical environmental challenges facing the Igando community, including inadequate waste management and poor environmental awareness. The program combined theoretical learning with hands-on activities, fostering a sense of empowerment, responsibility, and creativity among participants.
“Over the three weeks, more than 70 participants, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), engaged in various educational and environmental activities aimed at promoting sustainability and developing practical solutions to waste management. This report details the sessions, activities, achievements, and outcomes of the program.”
He explained further that the programme tripartite objective of environmental education and awareness; skill development and vocational training; and community engagement and environmental impact were all achieved within the stipulated time frame, through a diversified structured key activities, hailing the commitment of both the participants and volunteers.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony which held on August 23rd, 2024 where certificate of participation were awarded the 55 young climate champions and environmental ambassadors, the TESMI Nigeria Team Lead emphasised that the Green Skills Summer Program successfully achieved its objectives by creating lasting impacts on both the participants and the community.
He expressed optimism that the effort will increased environmental awareness, develop trainees skill, foster environmental impact through community engagement and advocacy while also empowerment the young climate champions on ceative problem-solving skills that will foster better partnership and collaboration with other stakeholders.
The event was attended by parents, community leaders, and stakeholders, who celebrated the participants’ achievements and witnessed the creative crafts they had made from waste materials.
The highpoint of the graduation ceremony was the exhibitions of recycled products and artwork created by the participants, showcasing their newfound skills and commitment to environmental stewardship.
