Triumphs in climate action: The success of It Starts With Me Campaign
In celebration of International Children’s Day on June 1st, 2023, World Vision International Laos launched the “It Starts With Me” campaign. This ambitious initiative was designed to advocate for children’s right to a healthy planet, urging Lao citizens from all walks of life to reduce their carbon footprint and actively combat climate change. The campaign's objectives were multifaceted: to raise awareness among World Vision staff, local government partners, and communities about climate change's impact on vulnerable children, to foster behavioural changes towards greater environmental respect, and to create platforms for children to engage with decision-makers. The campaign was crafted to inform, mobilize, and empower communities, transforming them into active participants in the battle against climate change.
The "It Starts With Me" campaign brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including the European Union delegation in Laos, WWF, Zero Waste Laos, CECC, Green Vientiane, faith-based organizations, and leading media outlets like Lao Youth Radio. Its implementation spanned both national, provincial and community levels, reflecting a comprehensive approach to climate action. Nationally, the campaign harnessed the power of traditional and social media, developed a dedicated webpage, and organized impactful events to disseminate the message of climate action across Laos. On the provincial level, the campaign partnered with Zero Waste Laos to engage primary school students and teachers, planting over 20,000 trees nationwide. This significant reforestation effort contributed to carbon sequestration and fostered a culture of environmental stewardship among the younger generation. Community-wide events, such as climate change and child rights awareness activities, community clean-ups, and tree planting during Children’s Day and Lao National Plantation Day, were designed not only to educate but also to instil a sense of responsibility and collective action among community members that we served.
Children planted fruit trees during the Children’s Day Celebration
For instance, in our targeted communities, children like 13-year-old Pern learned about climate change and waste management through engaging activities, including a drawing contest themed “Draw your dream environment in your community in the future.” Pern, who lived through hardships such as flooding and food shortages, was thrilled to participate and won the contest, earning recognition at the national level. His artwork and subsequent actions, such as planting fruit trees and separating household waste, highlighted the campaign’s success in empowering children to envision and work towards a better, more sustainable future. This initiative not only educated over 3000 children across 10 districts but also strengthened community resilience and fostered a commitment to environmental stewardship.
“I am very happy that I have a chance to participate in this event. it’s the first time for me to learn about Climate Change and West Management and how all these affected my daily life, and it’s very helpful and useful for me and my family to know and be aware of it,” said Pern.
Another significant highlight of the campaign was its involvement in the That Luang Festival, the most important Theravada Buddhist festival in Vientiane.
Traditionally, this event generates substantial waste, especially single-use plastics, and attracts over 10,000 people, leading to considerable environmental impact. The campaign’s collaboration with faith leaders, government agencies, and environmental groups aimed to enhance waste management during the festival, ensuring a cleaner environment and promoting sustainable practices. Volunteers from youth organizations and the Vientiane City Office for Management and Services (VCOMS) played a crucial role in maintaining the festival's cleanliness and educating attendees on proper waste disposal. This collaboration not only improved the festival experience but also demonstrated the campaign’s ability to unite various sectors of society towards a common environmental goal.
The campaign's impact was both significant and measurable. The tree-planting initiative, which saw over 20,000 trees planted across Laos, provided essential long-term environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and habitat restoration. This effort was instrumental in promoting environmental stewardship, particularly among the young students involved in the planting activities. The campaign engaged 30 villages across 6 provinces and 10 districts, directly involving communities in climate action and environmental conservation. This widespread participation underscored the campaign’s effectiveness in mobilizing grassroots support and fostering community ownership of climate initiatives.
The campaign's achievements were further demonstrated through various data points and outcomes. By fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including faith-based organizations and youth groups, the campaign successfully reached over 3.05 million individuals through its multi-channel awareness campaigns. Almost 4,000 children directly participated in climate change awareness activities at community, provincial, and national levels. Additionally, the campaign’s partnership with eight organizations to maintain cleanliness during the That Luang Festival highlighted the power of collective action. The dissemination of 12 Climate Action Tips via social media channels encouraged small, actionable commitments from the public, amplifying the campaign's impact. The tree-planting efforts, in partnership with Zero Waste Laos and the Ministry of Education and Sports, further underscored the campaign's success in fostering environmental restoration.
The “It Starts With Me” campaign also illustrated the importance of integrating cultural and religious contexts into environmental initiatives. The involvement of Buddhist monks in the campaign emphasized its inclusive approach and respect for local traditions and beliefs. This engagement was particularly important in a country where promoting a Christian identity can be sensitive. By aligning the campaign’s goals with the cultural and religious values of the community, World Vision International Laos effectively fostered a sense of shared responsibility and collective action toward climate change.
The campaign’s ability to adapt and respond to local needs and contexts was a key factor in its success. For example, addressing waste management issues during the That Luang Festival leveraged the festival’s large audience to spread the campaign’s message effectively. This strategic approach ensured that the campaign’s initiatives were both relevant and impactful. Furthermore, the emphasis on children’s participation and empowerment was especially significant. By providing platforms for children to voice their opinions and engage with decision-makers like Visionaries Event, the campaign highlighted the role of the younger generation as key stakeholders in climate action. This empowerment not only enhanced the children’s sense of agency but also underscored the campaign’s commitment to intergenerational equity.
Youth volunteers were the champion of the In Starts With Me campaign at the That Luang Festival. They came together to keep the festival clean for participants and raise awareness about proper waste management.
In conclusion, the "It Starts With Me" Campaign stands as a testament to World Vision International Laos’s capacity to engage meaningfully with young people and communities, even in the absence of child sponsorship. In a country where promoting our faith-based identity can be sensitive, the campaign successfully collaborated with faith leaders and other like-minded stakeholders to drive impactful climate action. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, the campaign not only protected the environment but also empowered children and communities to take charge of their future. The success of the “It Starts With Me” campaign highlights the power of collective action and the critical importance of involving all members of society in the fight against climate change. It demonstrates that, despite various challenges, meaningful and impactful climate action is achievable through collaboration, meaningful children and community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices.