BY: PROBLYN J ALPHA
The Kono Regional team of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has successfully concluded a two-day consultative forum aimed at adopting strategies to promote environmental governance in Kono District. The forum, which took place over two days, engaged over seventy participants, including pupils and teacher coordinators from seven schools involved in the Agency’s established school nature clubs.
The deliberations focused on fostering stronger partnerships with schools using social mobilization to implement the Agency’s newly launched strategic plan. Key presentations covered the EPA’s mandate, climate change, pressing environmental challenges in Sierra Leone, and the use of drama as a communication tool for behavioral and social change.
EPA Regional Manager Ishmael Jalloh emphasized the crucial role of schools as partners in environmental governance, advocating for stronger collaboration and coordination. He urged participants to redirect their efforts towards addressing community environmental problems selflessly.
Environmental Officers Martin Alieu and Ibrahim Mansaray highlighted the pressing environmental challenges affecting Kono District, calling for a collective effort to tackle these issues within their communities. Willie Sylvanus Collier, the External Relations and Advocacy Officer for EPA Kono District, presented on social mobilization, encouraging participants to view themselves as key change agents rather than mere beneficiaries of environmental education.
The forum concluded with an exclusive session for teacher coordinators, focusing on using drama for community outreach. Participants praised the consultative engagement for its educational value and its potential to empower them as ambassadors for environmental protection and social change.
