Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) recently organised a series of interactive programmes to heighten the awareness of its young members on environmental conservation, the negative effects of climate change and biodiversity. The programmes were designed to build capacities of the guides and promote their critical thinking, preparing them to lead conservation efforts of the future by gaining an in-depth understanding of ways to tackle issues brought about by climate change, as well as embracing a culture of conservation in their daily lives.
The programmes were a part of SGG’s efforts to educate the future generations about environmental sustainability, come up with creative solutions to address the environmental challenges the world is currently facing and raise their awareness about the importance of protecting nature.
The activities organised by SGG included the ‘Sustainability programme’, which introduced the girls to the Water Security Strategy 2036 being implemented in the UAE and the importance of adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles by using eco-friendly materials and conserving water.
The girl guides also learnt how to build a sustainable garden and had the opportunity to use their creative skills to make a bonsai tree using craft wire.
Aligning with the objectives of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) – ArabRegion, SGG also enabled the participation of its members in a panel discussion highlighting the role of recycling in protecting the environment and saving our planet.
The young attendees said these programmes did a lot to raise their awareness about environmental sustainability and highlighted the key responsibility of human beings to protect the environment and natural resources.
Senior guide Moza Ahmed Al Nuaimi said that the educational programmes, which included theory as well as practical lessons, enriched her experience and introduced her to key sustainability methods being adopted locally and globally to protect the environment.
In addition to promoting teamwork in the field of environmental sustainability, the programmes also included brainstorming sessions to unleash the potential of the girl guides and motivated them to find effective solutions to pollution and other key global environmental concerns.