Mwanza Students Advocate Multi-Storey Schools for Green Spaces

Junior Councils Urge Schools to Embrace Vertical Growth for Climate Action

MWANZA, TANZANIA – Junior Council members in Nyamagana District, Mwanza region, have issued a compelling appeal for schools to construct multi-storey buildings. Their proposal arises from increasing urban space constraints due to rapid population growth, expanding commercial activities, and the urgent need for climate change mitigation strategies.

With land availability shrinking in urban areas, the call underscores the necessity of rethinking school infrastructure to align with environmental sustainability goals.

During a recent meeting with local government representatives at the Ward level, students from Igoma and Fumagila Secondary Schools expressed their concerns. The meeting, facilitated by the Youth and Children Network (MYCN), aimed to engage young voices in climate discussions and highlight the vulnerabilities children face due to climate change.

Empowering the Youth for Climate Action

The initiative seeks to equip young people with knowledge about climate change, empowering them to raise awareness within their communities. Additionally, it focuses on strengthening youth governance structures to ensure that their perspectives are integrated into climate resilience planning.

The Junior Council members assert that constructing multi-storey school buildings is an effective response to the challenges posed by limited land. The freed-up space could then be utilized for tree-planting initiatives, a critical strategy in combating climate change.

For instance, Steven Adolf, a student from Fumagila Secondary School, emphasized the severe land scarcity in urban regions. He pointed out that conventional, single-storey school buildings occupy valuable land that could otherwise support environmental projects like afforestation.

“We need to think about the future. If urban planning remains stagnant, we risk a scenario where residential structures encroach on school lands, leaving no room for essential environmental measures,” Adolf stated.

He further elaborated on the everyday impact of climate change on children, citing extreme weather events such as floods that damage school infrastructure and obstruct roads, leading to disruptions in education. Meanwhile, prolonged droughts contribute to food shortages, negatively affecting children’s nutrition and academic performance.

“Climate change isn’t just about the environment—it’s about our lives and our future,” he added.

Climate Change and Child Safety Concerns

Beatrice Amedeo, another Junior Council member from Igoma Secondary School, highlighted additional risks posed by climate change, particularly for young girls. She stressed that dwindling natural water sources due to droughts force children to travel long distances to collect water and firewood, exposing them to potential harm.

“The threats children face are not just environmental but also physical. The struggle to access basic necessities can lead to dangerous encounters, including violence,” Amedeo explained.

Ester Adam, a member from Fumagila Secondary School, shared her personal experience of narrowly escaping a dog attack while collecting firewood. She linked this incident to the increasing deforestation caused by unregulated tree-cutting, exacerbating climate challenges.

“If we fail to act now, future generations will inherit an even worse crisis,” she warned.

Support for Vertical School Expansion

The proposal for multi-storey school buildings received strong backing from Fumagila Secondary School Headmaster, Mr. Dotto Gibebe. He acknowledged the growing population in urban areas and the limitations of land availability.

“Population growth is inevitable, but land remains constant. Constructing multi-storey schools will free up space for tree planting, a crucial element in climate change mitigation,” he asserted.

Gibebe further revealed that his school has planted over 2,000 trees, maintained by students through an environmental club. However, he noted that available planting space has already reached its limit. “At some point, we may have to consider demolishing stand-alone buildings to create more green space,” he remarked.

Kishiri Ward Education Officer, Ms. Annrose Kileo, emphasized the significance of supporting Junior Councils and fostering environmental advocacy among young people. She called for greater community participation in environmental preservation initiatives, starting with children.

Additionally, Nyamagana District Environment Officer, Mr. David Joseph, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to sustainability. He highlighted the planting of 268,000 trees last year and outlined plans to plant between 500,000 and 600,000 trees this year, despite geographical challenges such as rocky terrain and the proximity of Lake Victoria.

“Tree planting is not merely a local initiative; it is part of a global movement to combat climate change,” Joseph stated.

Innovative Waste Management and Recycling Efforts

Beyond afforestation, the district is implementing innovative waste management and recycling programs. At the Buhongwa Landfill, waste is being converted into useful products such as charcoal, paper, and packaging materials. Recycled plastic is being repurposed into items like bottles, chairs, and even sandals, an initiative locally referred to as “yeboyebo.” These measures align with broader efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Children and Climate Change: A Global Challenge

The concerns raised by Mwanza’s Junior Council resonate on a global scale. A 2023 UNICEF report titled The Climate-Changed Child outlined the devastating impact of climate change on children worldwide. It highlighted worsening malnutrition due to crop failures, disruptions to education from extreme weather, and rising mental health issues such as PTSD and depression linked to extreme heat.

Despite their heightened vulnerability, children remain largely overlooked in climate action strategies. The report revealed that only 2.4% of funding from major multilateral climate initiatives is allocated to projects directly addressing children's needs. UNICEF has urged governments to guarantee a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for children, recognizing this as essential to upholding their rights and securing their futures.

A Call to Action for Climate-Resilient Schools

The advocacy efforts of Nyamagana’s Junior Council serve as a powerful reminder that climate action requires a collective approach, including the engagement of young people. By equipping students with the knowledge and platforms to advocate for sustainability, stakeholders can foster a more climate-resilient future.

Investing in multi-storey schools and integrating environmental initiatives into urban planning are proactive steps toward mitigating climate change. The voices of young advocates like the Junior Council members highlight the need for urgent, long-term solutions to protect both the environment and future generations.