A new generation of climate champions has emerged in Anambra State following a three-day E-STEM training organised by the Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative (GRENCHI) in Awka.
The programme brought together secondary school students aged between eleven and twenty from environmental clubs across the state, equipping them with practical and technical skills in renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, air and water quality measurement, mapping, basic data analysis, and water conservation in agriculture.
Funded by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and Pratt & Whitney, the training was supported by local partners including Greenage Technologies; the Departments of Crop Science and Horticulture, and Forestry and Wildlife at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK); the Sahelian Institute of Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED); and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
By the end of the programme, many of the students spoke confidently about their readiness to drive change.
Obianuju Ejiofor, an SS2 student of Saint John of God Secondary School, Awka, described the training as an eye-opener. “We began with classroom sessions on biodiversity before moving outdoors to identify plants, birds and microbes, documenting their scientific names.
“We also visited a zoo and forest to deepen their understanding of ecosystems. On the final day, they engaged in mapping and GPS exercises, including mapping out a proposed 0.5-hectare forest project for her school.
“This experience will not be in vain,” she said. “With what I have learned, I can monitor plants and animals, help balance the ecosystem and discourage illegal hunting. I will continue identifying birds and learning more about nature.”
For Emmanuella Okoye of Community Secondary School, Enugu-Agidi, the renewable energy sessions stood out. She said the training exposed her to the technical aspects of solar installation, including MPPT, batteries, inverters and charge controllers.
“I now understand how to connect a solar panel to the MPPT, then to the inverter and back into the system. “If solar panels are installed in my school, it will improve electricity supply and help ICT activities.”
Nonye Okpor Ginifor from Nwafor Orizu College Demonstration Secondary School, Awka, said the programme reshaped his understanding of water use in agriculture. “I discovered that about 80 percent of water used in traditional watering evaporates. With drip irrigation, water goes straight to the roots, conserving it.”
He also spoke about vertical farming, describing how crops can be grown in cut bottles arranged vertically to save space and resources.
Charles Ogbaga of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, said the training changed his perception of agriculture entirely. “Agriculture is more practical than what we are taught in school,” he said. “Hydroponics — planting without soil — was new to me. It uses far less water. If conventional farming uses 100 percent water, hydroponics uses about 20 percent.”
Speaking at the close of the programme, GRENCHI’s Programme Lead and facilitator for Water Conservation in Agriculture, Dr. Ropo Apalowo, said the goal was to move students beyond theory into practical solutions. “We exposed them to both theory and hands-on learning. They now understand hydroponics, soil-less media and vertical farming,” he said.
According to him, one of the most significant outcomes was the shift in mindset about agriculture. “Before now, many of them associated agriculture with stress and hard labour. Now they know they can grow vegetables even in their school uniforms, in their verandas and around their homes”.
Dr. Apalowo expressed optimism that the students would contribute meaningfully to tackling climate change and water scarcity. “We now have young people who are not just informed but equipped to implement solutions. When they return to their schools, they will serve as peer educators. The knowledge will spread among their classmates and communities”.
He added that teachers who accompanied the students also participated actively, broadening the programme’s reach. “Replicating the skills learned would promote water conservation in agriculture and reduce environmental waste such as plastics and nylon materials.
“As long as there are students willing to learn and partners ready to support us, this programme will continue in the years ahead,” he assured.
Community Engagement Officer, Grace Okoro, described the participation level as impressive. She explained that the training was structured into three core segments: solar energy conservation, biodiversity conservation, and water conservation in agriculture, each featuring practical demonstrations.
“We expect them to take this knowledge back to their schools, homes and communities. Those trained in solar installation should practise it. Those exposed to biodiversity should continue monitoring flora and fauna. Those who learned soil-less farming and water conservation should begin implementation immediately.”
Okoro also disclosed that the students are expected to reconvene around June or July to pitch ideas developed from the training, expressing confidence that innovative environmental solutions would emerge.
