Young people from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Kenya connected virtually on November 2nd, 2024, for an engaging dialogue focused on tree planting, climate change, and planetary health as part of the Girawa International Youth Club. The meeting, organized by the Girawa Project, provided a platform for students to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas related to environmental stewardship.

The meeting was attended by three students from the Brazil youth clubs, 3 students from the Pleasant Hope Academy, Kenya and 22 students from 5 of the Foundation of Goodness’ Village Heartbeat Empowerment (VHE) Centres in the north and east of Sri Lanka – Sittandy, Thirukkovil, Mathagal, Pallai and Oddusuddan. The agenda kicked off with introductions, where students shared their names, ages, and the names of their communities, fostering a sense of connection across geographical boundaries. Participants also revealed their favorite pastimes and culinary delights, sparking lighthearted conversation and cultural exchange. For example Brazilian students enjoy reading, dancing and eating Feijoada. Sri Lankan students enjoy reading, playing sports, nature, gardening and eating rice and curry, idli, noodles and biryani. Kenyan students also enjoy dancing, reading, creating videos and eating fries, barbecued foods, rice and mutton, maize and beans.

The core of the meeting revolved around tree planting. Students discussed their personal experiences with planting trees, specifying the types of trees, locations, timing, and methods. This sparked a deeper conversation about the role of trees in mitigating climate change. Once student from Brazil said “Every tree planted adds a year of life.” Sri Lankan students described how they planted trees in their local schools and hospitals.

Participants overwhelmingly agreed that tree planting helps protect against severe heat caused by climate change. They also affirmed the crucial role of trees in preserving the planet’s ozone layer, preventing Earth from warming, and combating the greenhouse effect. Kenyan students also stated that planting trees attracts rain, recycles the air and cleanses the environment. 

The students were eager to share what message they would give to other youth about planting trees. The meeting concluded with a round of questions from the Brazilian youth group and a valuable session dedicated to feedback and suggestions for the upcoming meeting in February 2025. Students expressed a desire to share more about their countries and learn from the experiences of their peers in other regions. For example they shared an interest in the traditional foods consumed and recipes from each country and found many in common between the three countries such as Cassava curry, also referred to as Manioc in Sri Lanka.

Looking ahead, the Girawa Project aims to enhance student preparation for future meetings using the principles of global citizenship education (GCE), as recommended by UNESCO. The project encourages advisors and teachers to facilitate group meetings where students can collaboratively develop answers to predetermined topics. These meetings emphasize a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, prioritizing the students’ mental health, peace, and happiness. In preparation for the next meeting, they wanted to learn more about each country’s cultural holidays, levels of environmental pollution and indigenous tree species.

The Girawa International Youth Club is a vital initiative promoting environmental awareness and action among young people worldwide. By connecting students across continents, the project fosters a sense of global responsibility and empowers the next generation to become active contributors to planetary health. The Girawa Project plans to continue to engage with the global youth, as one of the best methods to achieve a healthy world for generations to come. Please see the video below to hear from the students themselves!

We would like to thank Joelita Rocha for coordinating student input from Brazil, teachers at the Foundation of Goodness and Pleasant Hope Academy for coordinating student input, and the following students to participating in the second successful international meeting.

From Lins, Brazil – Vasmila Andrade

From Taubaté, Brazil – Otávio and Miguel and their teacher Aline Oliveira

From Pleasant Hope Academy, Kenya – Evans and Phyllis

From Sittandy Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka – Sritharan Payotharan, Makenthiran Seshayini, Thineshkumar Jithushka, Rethinashingam Sharuka, Thevarasha Thanushka and their teacher Mr. V. Gnanapragasham.

From Thirukkovil Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka – P. Tharmika, K. Kiruthika, V. Sujantha, T. Rechchal Ipsipa and their teacher Mr. G. Vinayagamoorthy.

From Mathagal Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka – M. Mahishana, R. Eronikka, A. Anusiya, M. Pirawishna, J. Mistikka and their teacher A. Vinoraj.

From Pallai Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka – J. Sansika, J. Kunalan, J. Jenistan and their teacher Mr. N. Sandramohan.

From Oddusuddan Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre, Foundation of Goodness, Sri Lanka – M. Anushka, V. Kapishan, J. Akshaya, U. Vithusa, K. Nishajiny and their teacher P. Kajenthiran.