The Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Church of Ghana, is to promote the formation of Eco-Clubs in all its Unit schools throughout the country.
The church would undertake the exercise in collaboration with the Alliance of Religions and Conservation of the United Kingdom and it would be piloted in the Ho Municipality and South Dayi and Adaklu-Anyigbe Districts.
The local collaborators of the Project are the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forestry Commission and the Municipal and District Assemblies.
Reverend Winfred Hayford Azornu, Acting General Manager of the E.P. Education Unit made these known at an orientation workshop for representatives of selected schools, in Ho.
He said, given the right leadership, direction and orientation, children could become crusaders for environmental protection.
Rev. Azornu said the clubs would be assisted to grow and protect trees, practice simple farming techniques, sanitation and cleanliness, beautification, check erosion and educate people to understand the phenomenon of climate change, using the local languages.
He said prizes would be awarded to the schools, which would distinguish themselves in the exercise.
Rev. Azornu said there would be cross-cultural teaching and learning among members of the clubs in different parts of the country through exchange programmes.
They would also be taught the importance of particular trees, plants and herbs, and the need to preserve them.
Rev Azornu cited that whereas people in the Southern part of the country consider the Dawadawa and Shea Butter trees as ordinary trees, those trees are revered in the North as “royal” trees because of their economic and esthetic value.
He said traditional wisdom and knowledge, which helped to sustain the balance and stability of the eco-system were still important.
Dr Richmond Nfodwo, Executive Director of the E.P. Development and Relief Agency, appealed to school authorities to embrace the initiative because of its enormous significance to society.
Mr Charles Agboklu, Co-ordinator of the Project, said the Church had undertaken several projects and activities in the country towards the preservation of the environment and natural resources.
He said it was important for “our children to appreciate the age-old practices that helped to protect and preserve the environment.”