On the 27th of August 2024, the Reclaim team from the Climate Tank Accelerator Program, alongside the Student Society for Climate Change Action (SSCCA), launched the first chapter of the Reclaim Awareness series at Ranthotuwila Maha Vidyalaya in Benthota. Organized by students representing the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, the program aimed to empower the school community with critical knowledge about climate change. The event, led by the Reclaim team, fostered a collaborative atmosphere, bringing together students and teachers to actively engage in environmental discussions and activities.
The day commenced with an engaging lecture that shed light on the causes and consequences of climate change, designed to enhance the students' comprehension of this global crisis. By providing a clear overview of environmental challenges, the Reclaim team encouraged the students to explore their roles in mitigating climate impacts. The lecture set the stage for a deeper exploration of the environmental issues that demand immediate action.
After the presentation, students were encouraged to participate in a variety of group activities. These exercises focused on collaborative problem-solving and introduced design thinking concepts, encouraging the students to approach environmental challenges with creativity and innovation. The activities allowed students to apply what they had learned in the lecture and motivated them to think critically about sustainable solutions that could be implemented within their school and community.
In the spirit of promoting environmental action, the event also featured a tree-planting initiative. Plants were distributed among students, who eagerly took part in planting them around the school premises, symbolizing a hands-on commitment to environmental conservation. Additionally, informative handouts were provided, offering practical advice on how to reduce individual carbon footprints. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session that not only tested the students' understanding but also encouraged further reflection on their role in environmental stewardship. The Reclaim team's efforts were met with enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impact on the school community by raising awareness and inspiring a sense of responsibility toward climate action.