Children from the Child Rights Advocacy Club in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have raised serious concerns over worsening climate-related and environmental challenges affecting their safety and education.
The children made their voices heard during an advocacy visit to the Mashi Council Chairman and the District Head of Mashi on Sunday, urging authorities to act swiftly.
The event was supported by Save the Children International through the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) funded project.
The young advocates warned that the deteriorating state of their school environments poses a direct threat to their health, safety, learning, and overall well-being.
Speaking on behalf of their peers, they said they were representing countless children across their communities facing similar challenges daily.
They highlighted how the combined effects of climate change and poor environmental practices have made schools increasingly unsafe and unconducive for learning.
A’isha Mutaka called for the provision of safe and reliable water sources in schools, especially during flood periods, to protect students’ health.
The children also pleaded for clean, safe, and well-maintained toilets with hand-washing facilities to end open defecation and reduce the spread of diseases.
Halimatu Yusuf urged authorities to improve waste management and rehabilitate drainage systems to prevent blocked waterways and reduce flooding around schools.
Salamatu Mohammed advocated for aggressive tree-planting campaigns, stricter enforcement against deforestation, and the creation of green school environments to reduce heat and protect students from climate risks.
Abdulhamid Surajo stressed the need to strengthen school security through fencing and the deployment of guards. He also called for an end to grazing in school compounds and support for school gardens.
He identified some of the most affected schools as Government Pilot Secondary School Majigiri, Afadu Primary School, and Doguru Primary and Secondary Schools.
Responding to the children’s concerns, the Mashi Council Chairman, Salisu Kallah, represented by his deputy, Jamilu Yusuf, assured them that the council would take concrete steps to address the issues.
He pledged to revisit existing measures banning illegal tree cutting and to work towards creating safer and more conducive learning environments.
The District Head of Mashi, Kabir Aminu (also known as Iyan Katsina), called for the establishment of school environmental clubs and community initiatives to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainability.
During the visit, the children also used artistic expression and drama to highlight their concerns about gender inequality.
