By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has highlighted the vital role that schools play in shaping environmentally conscious young leaders.
Speaking at the award ceremony for the Bible and Climate Change Phase 2 Project held in Mahlanya,
Nxumalo emphasized how learning institutions are not just centres for academic knowledge but crucial platforms for raising awareness, promoting environmental literacy,
and equipping young people with the skills needed to address global issues like climate change.
During the ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of students from primary to secondary schools who had competed by writing poems and essays on climate change.
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Nxumalo spoke passionately about the power of education to inspire sustainable practices and enhance ethical decision-making.
He lauded the event’s ability to marry biblical teachings with scientific principles, stating that it was more than just a partnership between faith and science.
“This project represents our shared responsibility to care for the planet and safeguard the future for generations to come,” he said, noting that it aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Lindsay Dlamini, a student from St. Theresa’s High School, emerged as the overall winner of the competition and will have the unique opportunity to visit Norway, accompanied by her Religious Education (RE) teacher.
The Minister highlighted the significance of this achievement and the role of education in integrating climate change awareness into the curriculum.
He applauded the efforts of the Bible Society, the Ministry of Education, and churches for their collaborative work in making the project a reality, emphasizing that the Bible offers a framework for environmental stewardship.
“The Bible speaks to us of stewardship, reminding us that the earth is not ours to exploit but rather to protect and nurture,” Nxumalo said.
He continued to stress that this call to stewardship is deeply aligned with the values of the Bible and the urgent action needed to address climate challenges.
In his address, Nxumalo praised the impact of the Bible and Climate Change Project in strengthening not just knowledge but behavioral change among students.
“This project has been instrumental in integrating climate education into the curriculum, nurturing a sense of moral responsibility and stewardship among students,” he said.
He was particularly pleased to note that the initiative was inclusive of learners from primary to secondary school levels,
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With lower primary students engaging through posters, upper primary students expressing their understanding through poems, and secondary students contributing more in-depth research papers.
Nxumalo highlighted the continuity of the project and its success in Phase 2, acknowledging the significant milestones achieved.
He expressed his excitement over how this year’s competition theme invited students to incorporate traditional practices in environmental care, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge as part of climate action.
“This is commendable, as indigenous knowledge is invaluable and should be cherished,” he stated.
The Minister took time to recognize not only the prize winners but also all participants in the project, noting that their involvement was a significant achievement in itself.
“Regardless of whether you have won an award, your participation in this project has contributed to an essential dialogue on environmental care,” he said.
Nxumalo commended the collaboration between schools, churches, and environmental organizations in promoting a culture of sustainability, noting that the success of the project was an example to the power of such partnerships.
Nxumalo also addressed the importance of involving young people in environmental action, stating that youth engagement ensures that future leaders are well-equipped to address the environmental challenges that lie ahead.
He praised the work done by students in integrating biblical principles with environmental stewardship, noting that their contributions would leave a lasting legacy.
“To our award winners, your efforts serve as an inspiration to us all. You have embraced the challenge of balancing faith-based teachings with the practical needs of climate action, and in doing so, you are helping to mould the hearts and minds of future leaders,” he said.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Norwegian Bible Society and DGNI for their continued support of the initiative, praising their commitment to engaging young people not only in spiritual growth but also in environmental care.
“Young people are the future stakeholders of our planet and will bear the long-term consequences of today’s environmental decisions.
Their participation ensures that their needs and concerns are addressed,” Nxumalo stated, adding that such involvement from a young age fosters lifelong habits of environmental stewardship.
Moreover, Nxumalo turned his attention to the churches that partnered with the Bible Society on the project, commending their role in addressing environmental issues as a moral responsibility.
He called for churches to continue advocating for justice and compassion in the face of environmental degradation, which disproportionately affects the vulnerable and marginalized.
“Environmental degradation disproportionately affects the vulnerable and marginalized, making it imperative for churches to advocate for justice and compassion,” he remarked.
The Minister further congratulated all the learners who excelled in the competition and extended special wishes to Lindsay Dlamini and her teacher as they prepared for their trip to Norway.
He urged them to represent Eswatini well and praised the Ministry of Education and Training for being proud of their achievements.
“Your efforts are a testament to the positive impact that young people can have on our world and on decision-making,” Nxumalo concluded.
