Tamale: The Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD-Ghana), an NGO, has launched the Learn, Educate, and Act Now (LEAN) initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability through game-based learning. The LEAN initiative is an advocacy action-driven tool designed to promote sustainability, healthy living, and environmental awareness among diverse groups.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative features interactive and engaging games centered on four key thematic areas including sexual and reproductive health and rights, green thumbs (environmental conservation), health, and plastic waste management. Dr. Kodimah Siita, Executive Director of CORD-Ghana, speaking during the launch in Tamale, explained that it was to educate and empower players with accurate and comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health and rights as well as enable them to make informed decisions to take control of their health, and seek support when needed.
He said the LEAN games were designed to simulate real-life scenarios encouraging participants to engage in socially relevant informed decision-making through guided activities. He added that the games sought to recreate social experiences, foster critical thinking, and promote emotional and practical engagement across multiple disciplines, including science and culture.
The launch was attended by diverse participants, including schoolchildren, youth groups, civil society organizations, government agencies, community leaders, and persons with disabilities. The initiative is supported by the Office of the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and the Embassy of Spain in Ghana.
Dr. Siita said the Green Thumbs component of the game would raise awareness on afforestation and the negative impact of deforestation and instill a sense of environmental responsibility to encourage players to consider the consequences of human actions on the environment and develop solutions for sustainability. Dr. Siita said the plastic game was tailored to educate players on the harmful effects of plastic pollution on oceans, wildlife, and human health and promote proper plastic waste management practices such as reducing, reusing, composting, and recycling.
He said, ‘This initiative will encourage behavior change by promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastic such as reusable bags, cups, water bottles, and straws.’ He called on stakeholders, civil society organizations, government agencies, individuals, and development partners to support the initiative to ensure its success and long-term impact on national development.
Mr. Bugre Rexford Yamdorg, Northern Sector Operations Manager, World Vision Ghana, described the initiative as timely and unique, especially for its focus on vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. He said, ‘As an organization, we will explore ways to collaborate with CORD-Ghana to help intensify awareness creation on environmental sustainability to ensure women, children, and vulnerable communities are protected.’
Mr. Abu Iddrisu, Northern Regional Director, Environmental Protection Authority, whose speech was read on his behalf, pledged the Authority’s support to sustain the initiative. He said, ‘Supporting programs like this is essential to promoting environmental sustainability and influencing positive attitudinal change.’
Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director, Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency, lauded CORD-Ghana and its partners for integrating sexual and reproductive health education into the game.