Quezon City is developing an interactive storybook to promote environmental education among the next generation in an inclusive and accessible way, empowering them to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis.

45% of Quezon City’s population is made up of young people, some of whom experience various limitations and disabilities.

There is a significant shortage of climate education materials in local languages in Filipino public schools, and existing resources often fail to meet the learning needs of children with disabilities, including those who are blind, have learning disabilities, or are neurodivergent.

To bridge this gap, Quezon City is introducing the Local Climate Action Plan for Kids to complement its Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), which involves an interactive storybook presenting the climate crisis in an accessible and engaging way for children aged 7-10, with a focus on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The project conducted a comprehensive needs assessment across Quezon City’s public schools and with the Kabahagi Center for Disability, targeting youth aged 4-18. This assessment involved surveys, unstructured interviews, and focus group discussions with parents, teachers, and children to identify the various learning needs and disabilities requiring tailored support to understand and engage with the Climate Action Plan.

It revealed an urgent need for improved climate education, especially for 7-10-year-olds and children with ASD. To respond to this need, the project pilot-tested specialised resources, including multisensory books and other innovative learning tools that feature visual aids. Based on the findings of the assessment and pilot testing, the project developed materials that will be widely accessible in public schools, accompanied by training programs for teachers and parents to ensure the materials are used effectively. Interactive activities and community programmes will also be introduced to accommodate unique learning preferences.

The C40 Inclusive Climate Action (ICA) Cities Fund is designed to help cities develop and implement climate projects with equity and inclusion principles at their core. As part of the 2023 programme, C40 is supporting six global cities to develop and deliver climate projects over a 12 month period that are inclusive, fair and benefit all residents. Learn more about the ICA Cities Fund.

Editor’s note: this case study was originally published in June 2023; the content was updated in May 2024 to reflect the latest details about the project, which can be accessed in full here.

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