As part of initiatives to grow a new generation of ecological activists, We the People held the session of its Junior Rights Academy from 25th to 29th August 2025 in Calabar, Cross Rivers State. The one-week intense and interactive learning brought together creative young people aged 10-16 years with a passion for environmental protection to explore ways of addressing the pressing ecological challenges in their communities and the world.
This year’s Academy featured a call for creative submissions under three categories — Drawings, Poems, and Essays. Children within the state were invited to express their ideas, perspectives, and solutions to environmental challenges through these mediums. From thought-provoking poems to artistic illustrations and essays, the young participants showcased their unique passions and demonstrated the depth of their commitment to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.
The Junior Rights Academy is designed to empower young minds with knowledge, creativity, and advocacy skills, helping them understand the link between human rights, ecology, and sustainable living. By including children’s perspectives, the Academy nurtures a culture of environmental responsibility and civic engagement from an early age.
On the final day of the Academy, participants visited We the People’s ongoing mangrove restoration site in Idundu community. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect classroom learning with practical action, witnessing firsthand the role mangroves play in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustaining livelihoods
The Junior Rights Academy is an offshoot of the Rights Academy, deliberately creating spaces for younger people to engage in advocacy and ecological learning. Through these activities, the Junior Rights Academy continues to inspire and build a foundation of young ecological leaders who will carry forward the fight for environmental justice in their communities and beyond.
