As part of our ongoing Climate Action Fellowship, the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) continues to support and mentor dedicated educators committed to environmental sustainability. Led by Dr Fozia Parveen, Asssitant Professor, AKU-IED, our project team conducts regular check-ins with fellows, providing feedback on their action plans and offering mentoring sessions.
In commemoration of World Environment Day, AKU-IED held its latest check-in session. This year's World Environment Day theme focused on "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," encapsulated by the slogan "Our Land, Our Future." The event brought together individuals dedicated to showcasing how they are part of Generation Restoration.
The session aimed to empower teachers to become researchers for a sustainable planet. Dr Fozia commenced the session by elaborating on the theme and providing examples of climate change pedagogy. Following this, Dr Nasima Shakeel, Assistant Professor at AKU-IED, led an in-depth session on action research, teaching educators how to conduct research within their classrooms. The session concluded with a presentation by Tahira Jabeen, a recent AKU-IED alumna, who shared insights from her action research on developing empathy in early childhood education through lesson design.
About the Project
The Climate Change Education Initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa project, launched by AKU-IED in collaboration with US Mission Pakistan, aims to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental protection and climate change. Running from September 2023 to October 2024, this initiative focuses on equipping educators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
In November 2023, AKU-IED announced the Climate Action Fellowship, inviting dedicated teachers to join this vital cause under the guidance of Dr. Fozia Parveen. The fellowship received an overwhelming response, with 500 applications. Following a rigorous selection process, 50 outstanding educators were chosen for their exceptional commitment to climate education.
The fellowship programme commenced with a 3-day workshop in Chitral in February 2024, training 25 teachers to become champions of climate change and environmental sustainability education. This was followed by another workshop in Peshawar in March 2024, where an additional 25 teachers received similar training. These workshops were significant milestones, laying the foundation for ongoing mentorship and support as fellows undertake their action projects throughout the year.
The project emphasizes the importance of local action for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through scholarship and inquiry-based learning, teachers are implementing action projects within their schools and communities, fostering a hands-on approach to environmental education.
Recognizing the crucial role of policy in sustainable development, AKU-IED is engaging key stakeholders and policymakers in KP to support and promote climate change education and Education for Sustainable Development. The lead faculty has mentored 50 action plans during this fellowship and the learnings from these will be summarised in a policy dialogue and via a policy brief at the end of the fellowship.
As the project progresses, AKU-IED remains committed to fostering a network of environmentally conscious educators who will drive change within their communities. Through collaborative efforts and continuous support, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on environmental protection and climate resilience in KP.
