EcoKids helps to establish and support environmental clubs in primary schools in Nakuru and Mau Forest Complex. Currently the project assists the schools with setting up nurseries for indigenous tree species and organising training for the teachers.

The team works directly with the children using creative arts including an environmental song and a unique drama production in which the children play the main role.

EcoKids is a life-skills based education program that improves the quality of children’s lives and enables them take a more active part in their communities. The project targets primary schools and other institutions that currently have little or no access to environmental education.

Project Needs

Field work carried out in 2006 revealed that although environmental and wildlife clubs have been established in some primary schools, most of these clubs are lacking support, information, educational materials and ideas for activities. There is a great need for input in the form of lesson plans or instructions for environmental classroom and outdoor activities.

Objective of this project

Activities

Teachers and schoolchildren are encouraged to establish environmental clubs where they don’t exist, and existing clubs are revitalised and strengthened. The project does not only provide information and materials, but also a long-term support network so that teachers and children can sustain local activities and the clubs can create strong links with the community.  Current activities include the establishment of school tree nurseries in 10 schools, environmental education, film showings, games and a unique drama production in which the pupils play an active role.

Beneficiaries

The project beneficiaries in Nakuru and Mau Forest Complex include 20 head teachers and deputy headteachers, 90 teachers, 9 environmental teachers, 4200 primary schoolchildren and 1250 secondary school students. The primary school children are between 7 and 13 years old, the secondary school students are between 13-19 years old. The tree planting, environmental projects and creative arts activities will benefit the communities at large.