Bloomington Junior Academy in Thika was the center of environmental advocacy as Sheila Shifo Mbiru, a representative of First Lady Rachael Ruto’s Mazingira Award initiative, awarded young learners for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation. During the event, the school received trophies, laptops, and tablets to honor the achievements of four pupils who were among the 60 winners of last year’s prestigious Mazingira Awards.
Speaking at the event, Sheila emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackling pollution and waste management. She highlighted the importance of engaging young learners in environmental conservation through creative expressions such as art, music, painting, drawing, and essay writing, as well as leveraging social media advocacy.
“The children’s voices, captured through their artistic pieces, are a testament to their deep concern about pollution and environmental degradation. Their artwork reflected real issues such as industrial pollution, deforestation, and waste mismanagement. It is clear that they recognize the damage being done to their future, and we urge them to continue playing a proactive role in conservation efforts,” Sheila stated.
One of the young environmental champions, Philip Mbogo, a Grade 8 pupil, expressed concerns over the slow intervention by county governments in addressing pollution. His award-winning drawing for the Mazingira Award depicted the grim reality of water pollution.
“Our rivers are choked with industrial and human waste. Deforestation is worsening. While we appreciate the government’s initiative to spearhead the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, more must be done to ensure effective environmental conservation,” Mbogo stated.
Bloomington School Director, Peninah Ndung’u, underscored the urgent need to restore the environment, noting that schools must take the lead in instilling environmental consciousness among young learners.
“We have significantly harmed our planet, and it is our responsibility to restore it. Schools must take the lead in instilling environmental consciousness in children because they are the future custodians of the Earth,” she said.
She praised the Mazingira Award for enlightening young learners on environmental issues and inspiring them to take action. “This prestigious award has opened the eyes of our pupils. Through art, they have expressed their concerns and challenged authorities to act,” she concluded.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the role young learners can play in shaping a sustainable future through advocacy and creative expression.
