Celebrating Earth Day 2025: Clean Cooking and Climate Education Outreach at Nakasero Primary School

As part of our Earth Day 2025 activities, Green Lens International, in collaboration with The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and other partners, hosted an impactful outreach event on 15th April 2025 at Nakasero Primary School, reaching over 600 pupils in Primary 4 and 5, and engaging more than 20 teachers and staff members.

Teachers, pupils and facilitators from Green Lens pose for a picture with tree seedlings.

This initiative focused on practical climate education, tree planting, and clean cooking demonstrations—all aimed at fostering environmental awareness from a young age.

In a keynote address, Mark Lazarus from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development emphasized the importance of nurturing an environmentally conscious generation. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to clean energy initiatives and acknowledged this outreach as a critical step toward sustainable behavior change. The Ministry of Energy served as a key sponsor of the event.

A major highlight of the day was the live clean cooking demonstrations using Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs). Pupils and teachers not only observed the preparation process but also enjoyed tasting meals cooked with EPCs—an experience that highlighted the practicality and health benefits of modern cooking technologies. Teachers were able to purchase EPCs on-site, thanks to demonstrations led by Detra Energy.

Some of the teachers that bought Electric Pressure Cookers

In his remarks, Nelson Byanyima, Founder and CEO of Green Lens International, empahsized the importance of environmental education for young learners. “By reaching children early, we are shaping a future generation that is environmentally aware and ready to champion clean cooking and sustainability in their homes and communities,” he said.

The outreach also included the planting of over 100 fruit tree species across the school grounds, an activity that connected students to nature while reinforcing lessons on reforestation and food security. Each pupil took part in planting, symbolizing their role in safeguarding Maama Earth.

Pupils and guests led by Mark Lazarus from the Ministry of Energy planting a tree at Nakasero Primary School.

To reinforce learning, the school received 10 educational wall charts and 100 illustrated handbooks on clean cooking and tree planting. These materials will support both staff and students in continuing the conversation about sustainability throughout the school year.

Clean cooking chart donated by Green Lens and The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

This successful outreach was made possible through the collective support and belief of our partners, including:Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Greenwatch Uganda, Roofings Group, Detra Energy, National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), Yujo Izakaya, Banange Brewing Company, The Kenneth Kakuru Earth Reboot Initiative, Mixar Solutions, Karaoke Junction, Akvo International, NRG Radio Uganda, and the African Climate Reality Project.

Their partnership and contributions—whether in kind, funding, or expertise—were instrumental in making this event a success.

Video Highlights

Some Pictures from the outreach event