Online Commemoration of the International Day of Families
Written by: Florida Yadao Ledwaba
On May 15, 2024, at 6 PM GMT, an online event was held to celebrate the International Day of Families, focusing on the theme "Families and Climate Change." Approximately 55 participants from various parts of the world engaged in discussions about the effects of climate change on families and strategies for resilience.
The program was moderated by Mrs. May Gaye, the PR and Communication Director for WFWP Africa. Dr. Susan Kone, the International Vice-President of WFWP Africa, delivered warm and insightful opening remarks, setting the tone for the event and highlighting the importance of family empowerment in the context of climate change.
The first speaker was Mr. Joseph Koetsier, is a retired Senior Lecturer in Cross-cultural Educational Studies and Lifelong Learning, with academic ties to Groningen University, the Netherlands, and the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. Mr. Koetsier has conducted extensive fieldwork and consultancy in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Suriname. He is also a published poet and committee member of The Egyptian Society of South Africa (TESSA), specializing in “Ancient Egypt as a source of inspiration for classical composers” and “Egyptology in Eastern Europe.” He emphasized the need for integrating climate education into diverse cultural contexts to enhance community resilience and shared his experiences on how lifelong learning can be a tool for climate adaptation.
The second speaker, Mrs. Chantel Ayemou, is a seasoned advocate with 20 years of experience promoting the rights of women and children. She currently leads the Ivorian Network for the Defense of the Rights of Children and Women (RIDDEF). Mrs. Ayemou spearheaded the ECO SCHOOL project, which empowers women and children with climate resilience skills in rural areas. She discussed the impact of climate change on families, provided practical tips for developing resilience and highlighted the challenges posed by climate change on family structures, especially in rural communities.
The program also featured a video showcasing various family empowerment initiatives across Africa, illustrating successful projects and inspiring stories of resilience and adaptation by WFWP Africa.
Mrs. Bernadette Fogue, the Education Director, concluded the event with thoughtful closing remarks, emphasizing the need for continued efforts and collaboration in empowering families to face climate change challenges.
The online International Day of Families program effectively highlighted the crucial role of families in combating and adapting to climate change. By integrating educational and community-based initiatives, the event demonstrated how families can enhance their resilience and contribute to a sustainable future. The event concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and effort in empowering families worldwide.
