Kenya Launches Groundbreaking Initiative to Integrate Climate Change Education in Public Schools – The East Observer
Alef Education, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and UNICEF have jointly announced a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at integrating climate change education into the curriculum of public schools across Kenya.
This collaborative initiative harnesses technology and digital learning to empower children, youth, and educators with essential knowledge and skills to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
Under the MoU, the three organizations will work together to develop and implement a comprehensive climate education course that complements Kenya’s existing school curriculum, overseen by KICD under the Ministry of Education’s guidance.
The educational content will be delivered through KICD’s Kenya Education Cloud platform, which connects schools nationwide to educational resources. This partnership aims to enhance awareness, knowledge, and action on climate change among students and educators, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.
Professor Charles Ochieng Ong’ondo, CEO of KICD, highlighted the significance of equipping learners with environmental problem-solving skills: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering relevant educational content that prepares learners for the future. By integrating climate change education into the curriculum via digital platforms, we take a crucial step towards building a sustainable society. KICD will ensure broad access by embedding this content in the Kenya Education Cloud, facilitating widespread availability for learners and teachers nationwide.”
The partnership is dedicated to continually enhancing the climate change education initiative, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. Alef Education contributes significantly by providing high-quality digital educational materials on carbon literacy, including videos, quizzes, and interactive resources designed to empower learners and educators alike in understanding and addressing climate change challenges.
Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are pleased to partner with KICD and UNICEF to integrate climate change education into Kenya’s public school curriculum. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing innovative learning solutions and programmes that ensure every student has access to climate education. Education is pivotal to a sustainable future, and through technology, we aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change effectively, fostering responsible global citizenship and contributing to a greener future for all.”
Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Country Representative, emphasized the importance of empowering children in today’s world: “Our collaboration with KICD and Alef Education reflects our commitment to equipping children with essential tools. Integrating climate change education into the curriculum empowers children to become agents of change for a resilient Kenya. Through UNICEF’s school connectivity programmes, we ensure access to climate education content even in the most remote and vulnerable areas of the country.”
The signing ceremony, hosted at KICD offices in Nairobi, was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Education, the ICT Authority, and the UAE ambassador, along with other development partners.
This MoU signing represents a significant stride towards advancing climate change education, highlighting the partners’ collective dedication to fostering a greener and more resilient Kenya.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum