The Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a nongovernmental organization based in the Northern Region, has launched the maiden edition of the Schools’ Climate Festival 2025 in the Savelugu Municipality, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young people to take the lead in climate action.
Held at Savelugu, the festival brought together students from ten basic schools in Savelugu and Nanton District under the theme “Youth for Climate Action: Shaping Tomorrow Today.” The event featured debates, quizzes, and drama performances—all centered on climate change and environmental sustainability.
The initiative forms part of RAINS’ broader efforts to promote environmental stewardship, resilience, and sustainability across northern Ghana. For years, RAINS has been working with schools and communities to raise awareness on climate change, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support reforestation projects.
Through programs such as community tree planting, environmental education, school gardening, and climate-smart farming, the organization has empowered rural communities to adapt to the changing climate while preserving their natural ecosystems.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Hardi Tijani, Executive Director of RAINS, underscored the importance of involving young people in climate dialogue and action. “The fight against climate change requires every deck hand, and young people have the creativity, energy, and passion to lead the change,” he said.
Mr. Tijani also drew attention to the link between climate change and the delivery of education.
“Our work in schools shows that in years when crop production declines, we see higher rates of school dropouts and seasonal absenteeism. That's why integrating climate education into the school curriculum is critical to build children's capacity to understand and respond to these challenges,” he explained.
He noted that RAINS is expanding its work through initiatives such as school gardening, tree planting, and climate education, in collaboration with traditional authorities and local education offices. 
Students participating in the festival showcased innovative ideas and strong advocacy messages through performances that highlighted issues like deforestation, waste management, and the effects of erratic rainfall on livelihoods.
For many of them, the festival was more than just a competition—it was a call to action. “We are the generation that will feel the greatest impact of climate change, so we must start acting now,” said one student from Yong M/A Primary School after her team’s performance.
The Municipal Director of Education for the Savelugu Municipality, Alhaji Abdul Mohammad Majeed described the festival's theme as a clarion call to action.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a pressing reality that affects our lives, our communities, and our future. We see it in the unpredictable rains that disrupt farming, in the heat waves that endanger our health, and in the environmental degradation that threatens our livelihoods. The time to act is now, and the youth are at the heart of this transformation,” he stated.
Alhaji Majeed urged teachers to nurture environmentally conscious learners by integrating climate education into lessons and encouraging school-based green projects that promote sustainability.
The Schools’ Climate Festival is expected to become an annual platform for nurturing young environmental leaders, encouraging schools to adopt eco-friendly practices, and building a culture of sustainability in northern Ghana.
RAINS says it remains committed to working with stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations, to strengthen community resilience and ensure that climate action becomes part of everyday life.
Meanwhile, Bunglung E/A Basic School emerged as the winner in the debate category, Yong M/A Primary School took the top spot in the drama category, while Nyoglo AME Zion School claimed victory in the quiz competition.
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