By Bill W. Cooper
A groundbreaking environmental initiative has officially been launched under the theme: “Bringing the Children Close to Nature” in the country as a significant step towards safeguarding the future of Liberia’s natural environment.
Hope For Nature Kids (HNKids), a new environmental organization, exclusively dedicated to educating and empowering children about environmental conservation, was inaugurated Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Paynesville City.
Accordingly, the organization which stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring children to become the guardians of their environment and fostering a sustainable legacy for generations to come aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness among young Liberians, inspiring them to become active stewards of their natural surroundings.
Through various educational programs, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, Hope For Nature Kids also seeks to create a generation of environmentally aware citizens who will play a pivotal role in preserving Liberia’s rich biodiversity.
At the launching ceremony, held at the Christian Rescue Mission School System in the Shara Community in Paynesville, government officials, educators, and environmental activists joined hands to support the organization.
Serving as the guest speaker and official launcher of the organization, Fauna and Flora International-Liberia Country Director, Mary Molokwu-Odozi expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Hope For Nature Kids is an essential step towards building a sustainable future for Liberia, and by engaging our youth in environmental education; we are nurturing a generation that will protect and preserve our precious ecosystems.”
She thanked the organizing team for the vision of creating said organization which she stressed would immensely contribute to the already existing educational programs on ways to maintain and protect Liberia’s rich biodiversity.
Dr. Molokwu-Odozi further asserted by incorporating interactive lessons, practical activities, and field trips, children will gain firsthand knowledge about the importance of conserving natural resources and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Earlier, giving the overview and purpose of the organization, HNKids Vision Bearer, Harnon Whymah-Garbo, said with her dream and aspiration to help preserve Liberia’s rich biodiversity, gave birth to the Hope For Nature Kids on March 6, 2023.
With support from her husband, and church, Madam Whymah-Garbo said she established the HNKids with core focus on providing environmental education to children across the country, as well as plans to collaborate with schools and community centers to develop comprehensive curricula that integrate environmental awareness into the existing educational framework.
She explained that in addition to education, HNKids will actively engage children in environmental conservation projects aimed at nurturing a sense of pride and ownership in their environment.
According to her, the organization will also encourage youth-led advocacy and activism, empowering children to raise their voices and drive positive change, and added that with said vision, she believes that Liberia is now on the right trajectory of safeguarding the future of its natural environment.
Meanwhile, the launch of HNKids also generated widespread excitement among those in attendance at the launching ceremony, with many praising the organizers for their forward-thinking approach.
Parents, educators, and environmentalists further expressed their hope that the organization will shape the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders who will steer Liberia towards a greener and sustainable future.
