Throughout September 2024, FMCH Indonesia and 20 of its supported PAUDs (early childhood education centers) in Sumba Barat Daya and Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS) conducted an environmental action campaign. This initiative followed a climate change awareness program that had been delivered by FMCH Indonesia’s field staff to the PAUDs from February to July 2024. With a focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness, each PAUD was given the opportunity to plan and execute its own environmental action activities based on local needs and potential.
Meaningful Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Each PAUD launched creative campaigns to promote environmental stewardship. PAUD Budi Kasih and Hati Nurani in Sumba Barat Daya focused on reforestation by planting trees, flowers, and vegetables, supporting both green spaces and local food security.
In TTS, PAUDs like Fini Alekot, Sonhalan Oenoni, and Fobo Lunu produced organic fertilizers, including liquid fertilizers, bokashi, and compost. This eco-friendly approach transforms organic waste and fosters sustainable practices among children, teachers, and parents.
PAUD Horeb, Pelita Kasih, and Tunas Bangsa created school gardens, providing green spaces that enhance the environment while educating children on ecosystem protection.
PAUD Bukit Zaitun and Mentari Kobekaka implemented waste segregation by introducing separate bins for organic and non-organic waste, encouraging recycling and responsible waste management from an early age.
From Awareness to Action
The environmental action campaign was the next step after the PAUDs had received climate change awareness training from FMCH Indonesia. During the months-long training, they learned about the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather and global warming, as well as possible mitigation strategies.
These activities gave students, teachers, and parents the chance to put their knowledge into practice in their daily lives. Field staff in TTS and Sumba Barat Daya provided guidance and support, ensuring that each PAUD could successfully carry out their environmental action plans.
Small Steps Toward Big Environmental Change
This environmental campaign aims to raise awareness among children, teachers, and parents about the importance of protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Simple actions like planting trees, making organic fertilizer, or growing gardens show children that climate change is real and can be tackled through small, meaningful steps. The campaign aims to teach young children about the environment early on, helping them grow into a generation that cares more about protecting the planet.
