On Tuesday 28th November 2023, CNN celebrated “Call to Earth Day.” In Nairobi, Kenya, it was held at Rusinga Schools and Crawford International School.

Rusinga Schools are proud to be part of this year’s Call to Earth initiative, an inspiring worldwide effort to promote environmental conservation and waste management. As an implementing partner in Kenya, Rusinga Schools students participated in a variety of engaging and creative activities, all designed with a focus on our shared planet.

This exciting event is all about encouraging children to learn about and take action for the environment, through fun and educational activities. From writing letters to children in different environments highlighting tips on environmental conservation to art collages created using recycled material to depict urban animals, to creating poems and comic strip strips related to the environment.

The school has been selected to feature in a CNN documentary, which will showcase the many inspiring activities undertaken by participating schools around the world. The Call to Earth Day is the start of a long and prosperous journey towards creating a better, more sustainable world for all. You can be inspired by environmental education expert Kottie Christie-Blick’s special article for Call to Earth.

A Remarkable Experience

On this serene morning, my journey carried me away from the bustling Central Business District of Nairobi to the tranquil haven of Rusinga Schools. The microclimate enveloping the school whispered that this was more than just concrete blocks and tarmacked roads. Instead, it cradled flourishing trees, vibrant flowers and bushes, and lush grass, accompanied by the harmonious call of the Hadada Ibis and other species of birds. I was even fortunate enough to witness one of the ibises feast on insects in the grass—an everyday scene in the welcoming embrace of Rusinga, which seems to be a home of the ibises.

Within the school’s grounds, my fascination deepened as I interacted with remarkable young minds —intelligent, self-assured intellectuals who had an understanding of their aspirations and values. They were dedicated to the field of Environmental Management, possessing a clarity of purpose that extended far beyond their years. By the age of 16 or even younger, they already knew what they wanted to pursue. Reflecting on my own journey, I couldn’t help but marvel at their certainty, a stark contrast to the uncertainties that I had at their age. Yet, here I stand, appreciating the remarkable journeys I have been on in environmental conservation.

Then there are the confident younger club members of Rusinga Speaks. These are future writers, journalists, and world leaders who will not keep quiet on global issues around them. I without a doubt saw that there have been efforts from Miss. Winnie, Mr Akumu without forgetting, Mr George Ofunja, the co-founder of #RusingaSpeaks and the CEO at Taka Kazi Afrika. George is passionate about nature, a mentor, and identifies the gaps and the opportunities in environmental spaces which he nurtures and prepares the young scholars for the outside world.

An Inspiration

There are a few things that inspired me. The first was the use of Art for Conservation. Nothing beats seeing young people, expressing their love for and the need to protect our planet using poems, personalized letters, and being able to initiate a dialogue about “Our Shared Home”. 

There was also an innovative project by senior students of Year 12. What I love to call a solar punk school project. The innovation involved the students fundraising for solar energy installation to switch from electricity use on the water plant that serves the entire school. The plus is that it is a renewable source of energy.

The day ended with students giving their individual pledges to protect Our Shared Home and to continue what they were already doing that is good for the environment. Just before penning off, I think it is good to give the actions that the Rusinga School students are working on which are replicable to everyone for a better world.

The students are conserving water by turning off the taps. They’re ready to recycle and refuse single-use plastic. Some of them turn off the lights when not in use and others, give leftovers to those in need of food. 

It’s the Small Actions

What I saw on CNN’s Call to Earth Day at The Rusinga School was a room full of world leaders ready to transform our country, continent and Mother Earth. It is the small actions that each individual does that matter. Within us is a lot of strength that we can use to walk the talk.

Celebrating that day while thinking about the ongoing Conference of Youth (COY) and the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC  COP28 simultaneously, I realized that all hope is not lost as we have a new generation of leaders who are willing to care for our biodiversity. We can have a world with people who respect the planet enough to take care of it keeping in mind that it is Our Shared Home.

Written by Francisca Kasuku

Francisca is a passionate, enthusiastic, energetic young lady whose heart is in wildlife conservation and educating anyone who will listen on the importance of wildlife, conservation and the environment. She loves tree growing and is inspired by Prof. Wangari Maathai’s work. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Featured image of Mr George Ofunja, the co-founder of #RusingaSpeaks encouraging the students during the event.