COLOMBO : Berendina conducted a project on Active Citizens for Social Leadership and Climatic Action in collaboration with British Council. The project aimed at changing the lives of youths in rural community where young people play as key actors in raising awareness, running educational programs, promoting sustainable lifestyles conserving nature and environment sustainability and Capacity building of young leaders for civic engagement whilst volunteering for climate change adaptation and environmental protection practices.
The British Council is working with partners worldwide to support the success and legacy of COP26, creating opportunities for cooperation, dialogue and action in arts, education and science that address the shared challenges of climate change. Strengthening youths to be active citizens of climatic change by supporting a number of climate change-focused Social Action Projects (SAPs) is one of their main initiative of Active Citizen Program. The Social Action Plans will focus on COP26 priority areas; Adaptation and resilience. ‘Helping people, economies and the environment adapt and prepare for the impacts of climate change.’ and Nature. ‘Safeguarding ecosystems, protecting natural habitats and keeping carbon out of the atmosphere.’
42 youths from Seethaeliya, Goradihala, Shanthipura & Meepilimana Grama Niladhari divisions from Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat were screened and trained on Identity & Culture, Intercultural Dialogue, Local and Global Communities, Planning and Delivering, Designing Project Proposal and Presenting the Activity the plan to the stakeholders for five consecutive days at Araliya Green Hills Nuwara Eliya. The training sessions were conducted in two batches to mitigate the health guidelines of the pandemic situation, commencing from the 2nd of March to 17th of March 2021. Subsequently youths were given financial assistance from the partner organizations to implement the Social Action Plans in their village in order to experience and exhibit the trainings into a practical approach and enliven the future generation to be the Active Citizens of their own community.( Press Release)
