Providing tools to support teachers is essential in order to promote climate change education in schools. As part of their effort to integrate climate change education in Malawi’s primary school curricula, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Malawi recently launched a publication called Climate Change Sourcebook for Primary School Teachers. The book was developed by specialists from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Malawi Institute of Education (MIE), the Environmental Affairs Department, academia, practising teachers and primary education advisors. It was trial-tested with primary school teachers in Zomba, Machinga and Kasungu districts and then refined again. 22,300 copies have been distributed to primary schools so far.
The sourcebook is divided into seven units. The units touch on backgroung information on climate change, how greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, human activities that increase greenhouse gases, impact and effects of climate change, mitigation, adaptation and suggested activities that learners can do to mitigate climate change. Each unit of the sourcebook offers a variety of participatory methods, visual illustrations and practical activities.
The sourcebook represents an essential tool to promote behavior-change among a whole generation of young Malawians. It facilitates the transmission process of key knowledge, skills and attitudes from teachers to school children, supporting present and future generations in taking action to mitigate the causes and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
This book complements an educational poster that aimed at raising children’s awareness on climate change and which was distributed to all primary schools in the country. Both pedagogical documents were produced as part of the implementation of Malawi’s National Climate Change Learning Strategy.