Pupils take lead in fightingeffects of climate change

In a country like Namibia, where environmental issues and the effects of climate change are of increasing concern, young people are stepping up to make a difference.

School Environment Clubs (SEC) Namibia was launched on 8 October, at the Chairman Mao Zedong High School, where club members educated pupils and the broader public about the impact of human activity on the environment and how collective action can make a positive change.

Club president Inomuinjo Kapimbi says such clubs in schools are important because they promote environmental stewardship at a young age.

Speaking to The Namibian on Friday, he said they teach students about sustainability, conservation, and the importance of protecting natural resources such as water and energy.

“By getting involved in these clubs, students learn practical skills that foster a deeper connection with nature and become active participants in the fight against climate change,” Kapimbi said.

Kapimbi is a Grade 10 pupil at Ella Du Plessis High School and founded SEC earlier this year.

According to Kapimbi, he saw an opportunity for young pupils to lead initiatives that could have a lasting impact on their schools.

“I founded the SEC initiative because I’ve always had a love for nature and a desire to make a difference in combating environmental issues,” he said.

Since its inception, SEC has expanded to 15 secondary schools, including Delta Secondary School and Jan Mohr Secondary School. Their reach also stretches to 11 primary schools.

Kapimbi said being part of the club has broadened his perspective on environmental issues and that he has come to understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and how small actions, like reducing waste or conserving water, can contribute to larger environmental goals.

“It has made me more conscious of my own habits and motivated me to inspire others to be environmentally responsible,” he said.

The aim is to start a SEC Namibia garden where members could plant crops and donate the produce to schools, Kapimbi said. He added that he wants to create a space where pupils could come and have environmental training.

He encouraged pupils who want to help the environment to start small but think big.

“Every little effort counts, whether it’s reducing your plastic use, recycling, or raising awareness in your community. Don’t be afraid to step up and take initiative. The environment needs our help, and together, we can create a sustainable future,” Kapimbi said.

SEC vice president Ronildo Da Silva says environmental clubs are important to schools because they teach learners how to take care of the environment and it creates awareness of environmental issues.

He says his inspiration for joining SEC was his concern for the environment and that he comes from a country where the environment is not well taken care of and he wanted that to change.

“One day, Kapimbi pitched me the idea of starting a club that focuses on the environment more than anything, and I believe this club will help me to one day make a change in my country,” Da Silva says.

According to the vice president, being a part of SEC is a great experience where he can meet different people on the same journey as him.