On May 22, 2024, we celebrated world Biodiversity Day to highlight the importance of protecting our natural world. Theme was “Be part of the plan”. Somali Women in Environment and Climate Change (SWECC) together with Action for Environment (A4E) and Somali Youth Biodiversity Network (SYBN) held a special art program for nursery and elementary students at Mocasir School in Mogadishu, Somalia. This event celebrated World Biodiversity Day and aimed to inspire young minds to appreciate and protect nature.

During the program, SWECC shared stories with the students about the biodiversity of Somalia, highlighting the unique Flora(plants) and Fauna (animals) that call the country home. These stories helped 45 children to understand the importance of preserving their natural environment. The students engaged in various art activities, allowing them to express their creativity while learning about biodiversity. Through painting and art, they depicted the beauty of nature and reflected on how they can contribute to its protection.

In addition to the art activities and education SWECC, A4E and SYBN organized discussions about environmental conservation. We encouraged the children to share their thoughts on how to protect nature in their daily lives, such as reducing waste and planting trees. This dialogue empowered the students to take ownership of their role in environmental stewardship
This collaboration not only educated the children but also fostered a sense of responsibility towards the environment. By combining storytelling and art, we created a fun and meaningful experience that encouraged the next generation to be active guardians of their natural world.