From Climate Change to Safer Internet, Non-Formal Education Paves the Way for a Better World!

A look at our non-formal education programmes that are empowering young people to create an impact!

The urgency of the climate crisis demands drastic measures such as cutting the emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases by 55% within the decade. While governments across the globe are looking into ways to tackle climate change, a lot rests on individual action to make our planet more habitable.

Creating Positive Climate Change Through Non-Formal Education

Using  WAGGGS non-formal education methodology our Girl-led Action on Climate Change (GLACC) programme brings young people together to find innovative solutions to tackle the climate crisis.

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The programme aims to increase awareness of climate-related issues; promote adaptation and mitigation action at community and national level, and build capacity of young women to take up future leadership roles in the climate change response. Youth-Led Action on Climate Change (YLACC) is an adaptation of GLACC specifically designed for participant groups containing both boys and girls.

GLACC has already been implemented in Africa and Western Hemisphere regions, and will very soon be introduced in the Asia Pacific (AP) Region. To prepare for the AP launch, a Training of Trainers (ToT) event took place between 6-10 August 2024 in India at the headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. The training brought together 40 adult volunteer leaders from Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

During the event, participants learned the facilitation skills needed to deliver local trainings, built their confidence in WAGGGS’ Non-Formal Education methodologies, refreshed their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, and explored Climate Change 101.

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While the focus was on imparting skills to the trainers to be able to roll-out the programme to MO members,  it also looked at how small actions can lead to a big impact in the complicated climate change scenario. Through the training, leaders built their capacity in facilitation, gained confidence and improved their decision-making skills.

The YLACC National Training was a success, the participants increased their knowledge on climate change and expressed excitement to cascade the learning to their regions and Scout and Guide units. We also hope to expand in new countries through the Global South curriculum, which will be released soon. This curriculum includes three age-range activity packs, a leader guide and an adaptation guide. WAGGGS recognises that a climate change programme remains as urgent as ever. Therefore, the adaptable curriculum will allow interested Member Organisations to update the content and tailor it to their respective contexts, including aspects of climate change that particularly affect them in their regions

Pascaline Umulisa, Global Programmes Manager, YLACC

Safe Internet for all

Internet safety is another global challenge that we are addressing through our programmes.  Our Surf Smart 2.0 Generation Digital curriculum is designed to support young people to browse the internet safely. It is a unique resource which will ensure a generation of girls and young women have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others online.

The curriculum was created by WAGGGS non-formal education experts in partnership with the support and expertise of Norton, one of the most trusted brands in consumer Cyber Safety. To celebrate the programme and plan next steps, a combined celebration and capacity-building training was conducted in Sangam, Pune between 18 and 21st July 2024. This event brought together key representatives from  Membership Organisations (MOs) who are implementing Surf Smart, alongside young women from the advocacy component of the programme (Smart Surf Advocacy Champions).

The event showcased the internet safety projects undertaken by girls and young women engaged in the programme, recognising their efforts and impact in creating a safer digital space. With a strong focus on non-formal education, the training sessions included activities focused on browsing the internet safely and raising awareness among young people in a fun, informative and engaging manner.

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