On the 22nd of June 2024, the Reclaim team from the Climate Tank Accelerator Program, SL Team 07, in collaboration with the Student Society for Climate Change Action (SSCCA), conducted the first chapter of the Reclaim Awareness series at Kekirawa Central College, Kekirawa. Organized by students representing the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, the program focused on raising climate change awareness among school communities. The event was led by the Reclaim team, with active participation from the school community, fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship and collaboration.
The event began with an engaging lecture aimed at enhancing the students' understanding of climate change, focusing on its causes and far-reaching effects. This informative session laid the groundwork for a deeper awareness of the critical challenges posed by climate change, empowering students with knowledge that is both relevant and urgent. By addressing real-world environmental issues, the Reclaim team encouraged students to reflect on their personal roles in combating this global crisis.
Following the lecture, students participated in group activities designed to promote collaborative thinking and problem-solving around environmental challenges. These activities introduced students to design thinking, an innovative approach that encourages creativity in addressing complex environmental issues. Through this hands-on experience, students were not only learning about the theoretical aspects of climate change but also engaging in practical exercises that inspired them to think about sustainable solutions.
As part of the program's practical component, plants were distributed and planted around the school, emphasizing the importance of reforestation and tree planting as a tangible action in the fight against climate change. Informative handouts were provided to supplement the lecture and activities, offering additional resources for students to explore ways to reduce their carbon footprints. The event concluded with a thought-provoking question-and-answer session, where students demonstrated their understanding and expressed their commitment to protecting the environment. Overall, the program was a resounding success, raising awareness, inspiring active participation in conservation, and instilling a sense of responsibility among the students.