Homaj Primary School Leads Climate Action Through Officially Green Initiative

 Homaj Primary School has taken a bold step in advancing environmental education through the successful implementation of the Journey to Away × Officially Green initiative, a story-to-action climate learning programme designed to empower young learners with environmental responsibility.

The initiative, co-developed by Sharona Shnayder and Adenike Akinsemolu, was delivered as part of the National Geographic Society’s Explorer–Educator Exchange, bringing global climate learning frameworks into local classroom contexts.

At Homaj Primary School, pupils engaged in an immersive learning experience that combined storytelling, interactive activities, and pledge-based action. The programme centres on a powerful question—Where does our waste go?—challenging students to rethink the common assumption that waste simply disappears.

Through the initiative, learners were introduced to the principles of waste systems, gaining an understanding of how waste travels from homes to disposal sites and, in many cases, into natural ecosystems. This systems-based approach enabled pupils to connect global environmental challenges with their everyday experiences.

A defining feature of the programme was the Officially Green Pledge, which encourages children to adopt simple, actionable behaviours, beginning with the commitment: “I will never drop that waste on the floor.” This pledge transformed environmental awareness into personal responsibility, with students actively committing to cleaner and more sustainable habits.

The impact at Homaj Primary School was both immediate and profound. Pupils demonstrated increased awareness of waste management practices, began questioning the use of single-use plastics, and showed a willingness to influence their peers positively.

One pupil reflected on the experience, stating:

“Before, I thought trash just goes away. Now I know it can hurt animals.”

Teachers and facilitators also observed a shift beyond knowledge acquisition, noting that pupils began to internalise environmental responsibility as part of their identity rather than as an external instruction.

The programme further encouraged creativity and critical thinking, as students expressed their understanding through drawings, storytelling, and practical reuse activities—reinforcing both learning and confidence.

Speaking on the initiative, the organisers emphasised that effective climate education must go beyond awareness to inspire action. By combining storytelling, hands-on engagement, and behavioural pledges, the Journey to Away × Officially Green model provides a scalable framework for raising environmentally conscious citizens.

Following the success of the pilot at Homaj Primary School and other participating communities, plans are underway to expand the programme across additional regions, with enhanced learning tools, educator support systems, and global partnerships.

As environmental challenges continue to shape the future, initiatives such as this position schools like Homaj Primary School at the forefront of building the next generation of environmental leaders.