Climate Action Africa and Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church have embarked on an extraordinary journey to instill environmental stewardship in the hearts of young minds through the Faith for Climate Action (F4CA) a program by Climate Action Africa. The inaugural project, themed “Integrating Religion and AI for Climate Action,” kicked off on August 26, 2023, at the church premises and is set to unfold over the next twelve (12) weeks.
The project’s primary objective is to introduce children aged 7 to 12 to the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound capacity to communicate compelling narratives that ignite a passion for environmental responsibility. This unique curriculum melds faith-based teachings with innovative technological advancements, offering a comprehensive and comprehensive approach to climate action education.
Week One (1) Highlights
The inaugural event, hosted at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church in Lagos, was marked by an engaging and enlightening day for the participating children. The children, numbering +90, were warmly received by the church and Climate Action Africa team. The day’s activities encompassed a wide range of educational and creative components.
The children were exposed to the concept of climate change in an accessible and relatable manner. The session’s scholarly approach fostered an understanding of climate change’s causes, effects, and relevance to their lives and communities. This educational foundation served as a stepping stone for the creative activities that followed.
With an introduction to AI, the children embarked on a journey of discovery into the world of artificial intelligence. They learned about AI’s capabilities, its ethical implications, and its potential as a tool to inspire change. Equipped with AI resources provided by Climate Action Africa, the young participants dabbled in generating prompts and characters, thereby gaining hands-on experience in harnessing AI’s potential.
The pinnacle of the day was the children’s collaboration to create short animations highlighting the impact of climate change on communities. This artistic endeavor merged their newfound knowledge of climate change with their creative abilities, highlighting the potential of AI to facilitate meaningful storytelling.
The session culminated with joyful photographs featuring the children and the Climate Action Africa team alongside the esteemed Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Simeon Irabor, symbolizing the union of faith and innovation in the pursuit of climate action.
Anticipated Weeks Ahead
As the project unfolds over the next 11 weeks, the children will continue to engage with AI tools to cultivate a deeper understanding of climate action. The integration of faith-based teachings on stewardship will infuse their journey with spiritual purpose, driving them to become ambassadors for a more sustainable future. Activities will include collaborative projects, discussions, eco-friendly initiatives, and the creation of faith-inspired animations.
Climate Action Africa and Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church are committed to nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and technologically adept young individuals, united in their pursuit of safeguarding the planet.
