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This week we all chose to explore the question “What opportunities do children have to care for their environments/community?” through reading different relevant resources.
I read the book “Seeds of Change: planting a path to peace” by Jen Cullerton Johnson, published in 2010 (https://www.amazon.ca/Seeds-Change-Wangaris-Gift-World/dp/160060367X). This is an amazing, and beautifully illustrated children’s book telling the story of Wangari Maathai, a female Kenyan scientist and environmentalist, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her “contributions to sustainable development, democracy and peace”.
Through this amazing story, I connected with the importance of engaging youth in environmental stewardship, not only as something that is nice to do, but as a duty. It is imperative that we teach children to care for the environment not only because it is enjoyable, or so as to build a beautiful garden, but because it is our obligation as a species to help care for the earth and all it’s inhabitants.
By engaging youth in meaningful work that involves caring for the land, we are assisting them to build a sense of pride in this place, and pride in oneself for contributing positively to the greater good. Finding opportunities for students to engage in caring for the land around them is critical to building a society that understands the value of a healthy environment for all living things.
It is easier than we might think to engage students in caring for the environment, and it can be very fun and rewarding! Something as simple as joining a neighbourhood clean-up, can build love of place and the desire to care and respect it, as well as pride in oneself and a sense of team and a positive attitude.
Wangari Maathai’s story teaches of the incredible impact that one person can have, with passion and commitment to an important cause. Her story is one of persistence and overcoming obstacles, and it’s a very worthwhile story to share with students of all ages.