Inspiring Climate Champions in Ekiti: TGED Foundation’s Environmental Outreach at Ifaki Grammar School.

On 21 November 2025, the TGED Foundation visited Ifaki Grammar School, Ifaki-Ekiti for a transformative environmental outreach designed to strengthen climate education, build practical skills, and inspire young people to take leadership in environmental action. The outreach engaged 43 students, 6 teachers, the School Principal, representatives from NESREA, and members of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).

This engagement builds on a special moment from 2024, when TGED donated 20 tree seedlings to the school during World Biodiversity Day. Months later, every single seedling had survived, thanks to the students who watered them, protected them, and nurtured them on their own initiative. Their commitment revealed something powerful:
these students were ready for deeper climate leadership.

The 2025 outreach was designed to build on that momentum.

KEY METRICS (AT A GLANCE)
• Students Reached: 43
• Teachers Engaged: 6
• Stakeholders Present: NESREA, PTA, School Principal
• Project Pillars: Climate Education • Practical Upcycling • Leadership Development
• Hands-On Project: Tire-to-Mirror Upcycling Demonstration
• Environmental Club Launched: Greener Minds Environmental Club
• Pioneer Members: 10 students
• Teacher Coordinators: 2
• Session Duration: 2 hours

WHY THIS OUTREACH MATTERS

Climate change is reshaping communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems and young people stand at the center of this reality. By empowering students with climate knowledge and practical skills, TGED Foundation is building a generation that understands environmental challenges and is equipped to act.

The dedication shown by Ifaki Grammar School students (especially their care for the seedlings) demonstrated that climate action can start small, but grow into something meaningful when young people feel ownership.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OUTREACH

1. Motivation & Mindset Shift

The outreach began with an inspiring session led by Catherine, who shared her journey from a participant in TGED’s school program in 2022 to becoming an environmental advocate herself.
Her message was simple but powerful:
everyday actions , proper waste disposal, recycling, planting trees shape the health of our communities.
Her story helped students see themselves as capable of real impact.

2. Climate Change Education

Kehinde delivered an engaging, easy-to-understand session covering:

What climate change means
• How human activities fuel global warming
• The visible impacts in Nigeria (heat waves, erosion, flooding)
• How climate change affects food, water, health, and daily life

Students also discussed practical climate-friendly habits they can adopt, reinforcing the idea that solutions begin right where they are.

3. Practical Upcycling: Turning Waste Into Wealth

A major highlight of the outreach was the tire upcycling demonstration led by Esther and Ayo.
Students watched and participated as an old automobile tire was transformed into a beautifully designed decorative mirror frame.

This hands-on activity helped students:
• Understand the value of recycling
• Learn basic waste-to-wealth techniques
• See how creativity can turn waste into useful products

At the end of the session, the finished mirror frame was presented to the school.

4. Launch of the Greener Minds Environmental Club

To ensure sustainability beyond the outreach, TGED inaugurated the Greener Minds Club at the school.

The club started with:
• 10 pioneer student members
• 2 teacher coordinators (Mr. Dada and Mr. Awogbami)
• A structure for monthly activities
• Opportunities for inter-school competitions and TGED environmental programs

Executive roles were assigned, giving students leadership opportunities to drive peer-to-peer learning and environmental action.

ENGAGEMENT AND REACTIONS

Students asked thoughtful questions, volunteered during the practical session, and expressed excitement about the new club.
Teachers appreciated the balance of motivation, education, and practical learning.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

• Students were most energized during practical sessions
• The school management showed strong enthusiasm for ongoing programs
• The Greener Minds Club generated immediate student interest
• The outreach strengthened TGED’s relationship with the community.

CONCLUSION: PLANTING SEEDS OF LEADERSHIP

The outreach at Ifaki Grammar School achieved its core objectives; educating, inspiring, and equipping young people with the tools to become environmental stewards. With the launch of the Greener Minds Club, the impact of this program will continue beyond a one-day visit.

TGED Foundation will maintain communication with the club executives, support their activities, and expand similar engagements across more schools in Ekiti State.

To support TGED Foundation’s school-based environmental programs (Greener Minds) visit: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/build-greener-minds-for-a-sustainable-future/