Building Teachers’ Capacity to Advance Climate Education in South Sudan

Teacher Training Workshop marks an important milestone in the Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme 2026

Juba, South Sudan, 11 September 2026: As part of the Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme 2026, Eden Foundation South Sudan, in partnership with The Achol Philip Foundation, conducted a one day teacher training workshop in Juba, Central Equatoria.

Held at Roadhouse, the training brought together 15 teachers from three participating primary schools, namely St. Lawrence Primary School, Juba Diplomatic Primary School and C.M.S Primary School.

The workshop formed part of the Juba, Central Equatoria phase of the programme and focused on strengthening teachers’ knowledge, practical skills and capacity to integrate climate education and sustainable development into classroom teaching, school activities and wider school practices.

Strengthening the Role of Teachers in Climate Education

Teachers play a critical role in helping children understand the environmental challenges affecting their communities.

The training therefore focused on supporting educators with practical approaches for introducing climate and environmental issues into learners’ everyday educational experiences.

Rather than treating climate education as a standalone subject, the workshop explored ways in which teachers can connect environmental learning with existing classroom subjects, school activities and community experiences.

Participants were encouraged to consider how issues such as environmental protection, waste management, biodiversity, trees, water, climate change and sustainable development can be incorporated into learning in ways that are relevant and understandable to children.

From Knowledge to Practical Action

A key focus of the workshop was the importance of moving beyond theoretical knowledge and creating opportunities for learners to participate in practical environmental activities.

Teachers engaged in discussions and activities designed to help them identify opportunities within their schools where learners can take part in meaningful environmental action.

These may include school based tree planting, environmental clubs, responsible waste management, school gardens, biodiversity activities, awareness campaigns and other locally relevant initiatives.

The approach recognises that children learn not only through textbooks and classroom discussions, but also through direct participation and experience.

By equipping teachers with practical tools and approaches, the programme aims to create a learning environment where climate awareness can translate into positive behaviours and action.

Learning From Teachers and Schools

The workshop also provided an important platform for teachers to share their experiences and perspectives.

Participants discussed some of the challenges faced by schools in integrating environmental education and explored practical approaches that could be adapted to their respective school contexts.

This exchange was an important component of the training, recognising teachers not only as recipients of training but also as practitioners with valuable knowledge of their learners, schools and communities.

The discussions enabled participants to reflect on what is already working within their schools, identify areas requiring additional support and consider opportunities for strengthening climate education through existing school structures.

Investing in Educators to Reach More Children

The teacher training component of the Nyajuma programme reflects the importance of investing in educators as a pathway to reaching more learners.

While educational materials such as the Nyajuma climate education books provide important resources for children and teachers, effective climate education also depends on educators having the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to facilitate meaningful learning.

Strengthening teachers’ capacity can therefore help extend the impact of climate education beyond individual programme activities and support continued learning within participating schools.

The 15 teachers trained through the Juba phase will have an important role in applying the knowledge and approaches discussed during the workshop within their respective schools.

Supporting Sustainable Development Through Education

The Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme contributes to broader efforts to strengthen environmental awareness, climate action and sustainable development among children and young people in South Sudan.

The programme recognises the important relationship between quality education and climate resilience.

Education can help children understand environmental risks, develop problem solving skills and become more aware of the relationship between natural resources, communities and livelihoods.

Strengthening climate education within schools can also contribute to developing environmentally responsible behaviours and encouraging young people to participate in community level environmental action.

These efforts are particularly relevant in a context where communities across South Sudan continue to experience environmental and climate related challenges.

Building on the Juba Phase

The teacher training workshop builds on a series of activities undertaken as part of the Juba phase of the Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme.

The programme was officially launched on 3 September 2026 at C.M.S Primary School, bringing together government representatives, schools, teachers, pupils, youth environmental organisations and partners.

The following day, Eden Foundation and The Achol Philip Foundation conducted school visits to St. Lawrence Primary School and Juba Diplomatic Primary School, where a total of 200 copies of the Nyajuma books were handed over to the two school libraries.

Tree planting activities were also conducted at both schools.

The teacher training workshop represents the next step in strengthening the programme by ensuring that educators are equipped to support the continued use of these resources and facilitate climate learning within their schools.

Looking Ahead

The Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme 2026 will continue beyond Juba, with planned implementation in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Bor, Jonglei State.

The experience gained during the Juba phase will provide valuable lessons for subsequent implementation and continued engagement with teachers, learners and schools.

Eden Foundation South Sudan and The Achol Philip Foundation remain committed to working with education stakeholders and school communities to strengthen climate education and promote practical environmental action among children and young people.

Appreciation

Eden Foundation South Sudan extends its appreciation to the 15 teachers who participated in the training and to the leadership and staff of St. Lawrence Primary School, Juba Diplomatic Primary School and C.M.S Primary School for their continued cooperation and commitment to the programme.

We also extend our appreciation to The Achol Philip Foundation and all partners supporting the implementation of the Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme 2026.

Through investment in teachers, educational resources and practical school based activities, the programme seeks to strengthen the foundation for climate education and support a generation of South Sudanese learners who are informed, environmentally responsible and able to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in their communities.

Nyajuma Children’s Climate Education Programme 2026 Juba, Central Equatoria Phase

Eden Foundation South Sudan in partnership with The Achol Philip Foundation

Recreating Earth.