A motion seeking to integrate climate education into the national education curriculum is set to be introduced in the Senate today.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang who is pushing the proposal says climate change is a global nightmare with its effects already visible hence the need to prioritise it as a subject.
“Climate change is a complex social and scientific issue characterised by uncertain and context specific knowledge. It demands that educators engage in inquiry and co-learning with students,” the motion read.
It further notes the lack of time and curriculum opportunities to address climate change in the classroom.
Article 12 of the Paris Agreement, he said, espouses the enhancement of training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information.
Kajwang said the subject explores mitigation and adaptation measures both local and global level, while enabling the youth to engage with the information, inquire, understand, ask critical questions and take what they determine are appropriate actions to respond to climate change.
He says teachers and school administrators should be trained and equipped with the necessary information and skills to teach and explore new approaches that can contribute to the transformation of unsustainable climate systems, values and routines.
If approved the Ministry of Education in liaison with the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development will be tasked with incorporating it through formal education system as part of the school curriculum.
This according to the senator will prepare children and young people for the rapidly changing, uncertain, risky and possibly dangerous future.
