With a passion for collective learning and a drive to integrate climate action into education, the Schools2030 District Showcases in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, brought teachers together to celebrate their experiences in using climate action solutions as pedagogical tools across pre-schools, primary and secondary schools.
As part of the part of the broader CO-CREATE partnership with USAID and FCDO, the District Showcase events were held in Lindi on 21 October and in Dar es Salaam on 25 October bringing together over 270 education-based stakeholders including educators, local government leaders, representatives from national and international NFOs, researchers, media, students and Regional Education Officers as the Guests of Honour.
Engaging Sessions and Interactive Demonstrations
The participants experienced first-hand the outcomes and lessons derived from implementing ten innovative climate action solutions, each designed to make learning practical, relevant and impactful.
Teachers shared their experiences through lively sessions, presenting mock lessons that demonstrated how climate action solutions transformed their classrooms. Panel discussions featured insights from educators and Civil Society Organisation representatives. By spotlighting the voices of students, they elevated the overarching message of sustainability through creative performances, sharing how the climate action solutions and teacher-led innovations are making their learning more fun and meaningful. Through the teacher demonstrations and dynamic displays, attendees were given the unique experience of seeing how the classroom innovations come to life, illustrating how they can integrate the practices more widely into teaching.
Transforming Learning Through Climate Action
One hundred percent of participating educators reported using their climate action solutions as pedagogical tools at least once a week. These solutions not only addressed environmental challenges but also enhanced teaching across subjects. For example:
- Paper recycling: Mwajuma Mlezi, a teacher at Mbande Primary School, shared how she implemented paper recycling in her pre-primary class during 18 sessions. The activity incorporated topics such as addition, subtraction, sorting, and shape recognition, blending play with learning.
“Children recycle paper from scratch, and once it is dried, they cut it into shapes. The entire process incorporates play and learning different lessons, such as counting and colouring the shapes.“
Mwajuma Mlezi, Teacher, Mbande Primary School
- Tree nurseries: From Charambe Secondary School, Kessy Selemani highlighted how a tree nursery became a hub for cross-curricular learning, covering biology, geography, and mathematics. Students used the nursery to measure tree heights, write stories inspired by their work, and explore scientific concepts like photosynthesis and forest ecology.
“Students participate in daily eco-club activities, learning various topics connected to this climate solution. For writing lessons in Kiswahili and English, we used the tree nursery as a context for assignments, encouraging students to write stories inspired by their experiences in the establishment of the solutions.”
Kessy Selemani, Teacher, Charambe Secondary School
- Water recycling: Inspired by lessons on water recycling, two students from Angaza Secondary School in Lindi developed a water filtration model to provide clean water, earning their school third place nationally as a climate action ambassador.
“We are very happy with this model and urge the leaders and the community to adopt this idea on a larger scale so that we can successfully achieve access to clean water.”
Ernest Mtamilili, Student from Angaza Secondary School
Recognising Impact and Scaling Up
The showcases underscored the significant contributions of educators and CSOs in driving climate action through education. Gift Kyando, REO for Dar es Salaam, expressed her aspiration for other districts to adopt this approach, emphasising the role of teachers in shaping transformative solutions. Schools2030 partners and government representatives shared their support for wider implementation of the showcased work.
“As teachers, we must fully understand our responsibility to educate our children. Students possess knowledge that can significantly benefit the community when applied. If we implement the solutions effectively across all education levels, we will alleviate the burdens we currently face in education.”
Joseph Mabeyo, REO Lindi and Guest of Honour
“While the programme initially started with a few schools, the insights and experiences gained from these implementations could benefit others in the long run.”
Abbas Nsanzugwanko, Education Lead, USAID
Brayson Maleko, Temeke Municipal Statistical and Logistical Officer, commended the efforts of CSOs like Mazingira Plus and Makangarawe Youth Information and Development Center. He announced plans to employ 40 youth environmental cleaners, with the potential to expand their roles within the municipality’s sustainability efforts.
The event spotlighted the true power of educators and students to design and implement solutions that address both educational and environmental challenges. From recycled paper to tree nurseries and water filtration models, these initiatives exemplify how climate action can enrich learning and create lasting community impact. As stakeholders work to scale these innovations, the potential to transform education and sustainability across Tanzania becomes ever more promising.
“It was wonderful to hear inspiring stories and to see guests express interest in how these actions can transform young minds. The demand to reach more people is high, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.“
Reuben Chacha, Climate Change Programmes Lead, Restless Development
Together, the Schools2030 team, teachers, and CSOs are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future—one lesson at a time.
