THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has introduced environmental conservation as a subject in early childhood education to address the impacts of climate change caused by human activities such as farming, livestock keeping and charcoal burning.

The initiative was unveiled at the weekend during a training session for early childhood and primary school head teachers in Makambako Town Council.

Jerome Mwakifuna, a national facilitator for the training, stated that the government’s new education curriculum includes environmental conservation as a key subject for young learners to combat climate change effects.

Other subjects introduced for early childhood learners include science, arithmetic and Kiswahili.

“The new curriculum emphasises hands-on learning to foster self-reliance. Early childhood, especially under eight years of age, is the ideal stage to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” Mwakifuna said.

Makambako Town Council Academic Officer, Shaban Ambwindile, called on parents to embrace the curriculum changes and actively support their children's education.

“Parents play a critical role in shaping children’s future alongside teachers and their environment. Early investment in education lays the groundwork for children to achieve their dreams,” he remarked.

Makambako early childhood and primary education officer, Samweli Komba, encouraged trained teachers to effectively apply the skills acquired during the sessions to deliver quality education.

“As policies, science, and technology evolve, it’s crucial to prepare these children to understand and adapt to the world they live in,” he said.

Furaha Mgeni, a teacher, expressed commitment to implementing the new curriculum. Mgeni emphasised that the curriculum would significantly help children become more self-reliant and urged parents to collaborate in fostering education and child development.