Jackline Mwambire, a dedicated teacher from Learning Hub School in Malindi, has earned international recognition for her outstanding commitment to environmental conservation. This month, Mwambire represented Kenya at the COP 29 Summer Camp held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she joined global eco-school representatives to tackle climate change challenges.
The COP 29 Summer Camp is a prestigious event that brings together educators from around the world to exchange ideas and solutions on environmental issues. Mwambire, who is actively involved with the ecosystem clubs at Learning Hub School, shared that the experience provided her with invaluable insights and strategies to address climate-related challenges.
Upon returning to Kenya, Mwambire expressed her enthusiasm about applying the knowledge she gained at the camp. “I am excited to share the insights with our students and community, emphasizing the importance of conservation and collective action in fighting climate change,” she said.
Learning Hub School, operated by the non-profit organization Make a Difference, is renowned for its innovative approach to education and conservation. The school caters to children from vulnerable backgrounds, with two-thirds of its students sponsoring the remaining third, predominantly orphans, to ensure they receive quality education. This model of support underscores the school’s commitment to both education and community welfare.
Mwambire’s participation in the COP 29 Summer Camp was a testament to Learning Hub’s dedication to environmental sustainability. The school is actively engaged in various conservation programs, including collaborations with the Progress Welfare Association of Malindi (PWAM) for monthly beach and town cleanups.
One notable initiative is the launch of segregation bins at the school, designed to streamline waste management by separating plastics, biodegradable materials, and paper. This effort has been instrumental in promoting recycling and reducing the school’s environmental footprint. The project has received praise from both the community and environmental advocates.
Ariana Wekesa, a grade three pupil at Learning Hub, highlighted the importance of these conservation efforts. “Collecting plastics helps protect marine life. When plastic enters the water, it harms sea creatures like dolphins and sea turtles,” she explained, demonstrating the impact of the school’s initiatives on young minds.
Kate Mwikali, chairperson of PWAM, commended the students and staff for their innovative approach to waste management. “The work with segregation bins is a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Proper waste disposal is crucial for tackling environmental problems,” Mwikali said.
Charity Beduli, a conservationist and parent at Learning Hub, also praised the success of the waste segregation project. She shared that although some parents were initially puzzled by the request for plastic bottles, they soon understood the purpose of improving waste management. “Before long, we will all be segregating waste at home—plastic, biodegradable, and paper—to reduce landfill waste,” Beduli noted.
Effue Opiyo, chairperson of Malindi Green and Blue, expressed gratitude to the teachers, parents, and students for their dedication to environmental projects. She emphasized that the initiative to recycle and reuse plastics was only the beginning, with more projects planned for the future.
Students at Learning Hub are also deeply committed to making a difference. Levy Jilani and Ayan Omar, who are actively involved in the school’s environmental programs, voiced their dedication to creating a cleaner world. Jilani remarked, “If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for the world to make it a better place.” Omar, the school president, urged everyone to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, from their homes to the towns and beaches.
Jackline Mwambire’s recognition at the COP 29 Summer Camp highlights the significant impact of Learning Hub School’s environmental initiatives and serves as an inspiration for others to embrace sustainability and contribute to a healthier planet.
