Girl Guides Acts of Green - Kenya

Girl Guides Acts of Green ensures that girls and young women are aware of environmental conservation, the negative effects of climate change and biodiversity and are leading the way when it comes to tackling issues brought about by climate change, by means of mitigation, adaptation and capacity building and developing a culture of conservation in their daily lives.

Fast facts:

So far, 800 girls, young women, teachers, guide leaders and community members have engaged in this activity through tree planting events in Nairobi and Machakos and environmental conservation activities.

The problem

Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, and usually are not taught in school about climate change or how to adapt to climate change.

The solution

This activity is being implemented in primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and Machakos counties in Kenya and incorporates the use of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)/Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) badge curriculum books on climate change and biodiversity through informal education and tree planting events. Girl guides, rangers (girls ages 14-17 years) and young leaders (young women ages 18-30 years) undergo training in advocacy, permaculture gardening and recycling. At the end of their training, they establish a tree nursery, permaculture garden or complete a mini environmental project.

Helping the planet

The project promotes climate change mitigation that can be easily implemented at home and school. The project involves tree-planting events in schools and the community to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Helping people

This activity supports the leadership roles of women in addressing climate change and supports young women as future leaders. They are showing their peers and families’ ways to tackle climate change by promoting simple behavior changes like switching off the lights when not in use and recycling at home.

Scaling Up

The project has the potential to grow and benefit more girls and young women who will be dealing with the negative effects of climate change in the coming years. The project can be implemented in more schools in other counties and other countries.