The Aga Khan University's Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) recently played host to a transformative learning experience for over 18 Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) students and their dedicated teachers. From January 10 to January 14, 2024, the vibrant campus became a hub of exploration, community engagement, and hands-on environmental education.
Under the expert guidance of Dr Emmanuel Sulle, Director at AKU-ACER, students embarked on a five-day journey that seamlessly integrated various facets of environmental sustainability, aligning with the centre's commitment to research in environmental science, including ecology, environmental chemistry, geosciences, and social sciences.
Expressing his delight, Dr. Sulle stated, "Hosting the first experiential learning visit by AKES students from Dar es Salaam has been a real pleasure. We believe that immersing young students below the age of 20 in an environmental laboratory, is crucial to nurturing the environmental leaders the world truly needs."
The field school's curriculum was designed to address several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning environmental conservation, climate action, human health, water, clean energy, sustainable communities, hunger, gender equality, and poverty. The benefits of the activities extended beyond the campus, showcasing ACER's capacity for carbon sequestration and contributing to a holistic understanding of global challenges.
Students eagerly embraced diverse activities, from community engagement initiatives and climate change literacy to biodiversity awareness and hands-on agricultural work. The impact on their perspective was evident in their testimonials:
"I believe that I will cherish this moment till the day I die," shared Netsanet Abiyou, a student at Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School.
Nidhi Payathuparambil, another student, highlighted the transformative nature of the experience: "Coming here has been the best way to learn because I am interacting with nature."
Another student, Grayson Mndeme, expressed the need for more experiential learning: "I believe that schools should have more trips to places like AKU-ACER so that they can develop skills that are highly needed in our society."
Aravind Iyer, a student, emphasized the multifaceted approach of the field study, praising its focus on biodiversity, education, agriculture, and community outreach. He hoped for an expansion of community outreach initiatives in future field studies.
Nikita Gidwani, Creativity Activity Service (CAS) Coordinator and College Counsellor, reflected on the unique sense of community at AKU: "AKU is a family, and we share the same vision and mission to protect and work for our environment. They are the leaders of today, and we are empowering them today to carry the legacy we are creating."
The AKU-ACER field school stands as a testament to the power of experiential learning in shaping the future leaders our world desperately needs.