Introduction:
The capacity building workshop titled “Empowering Young Climate Advocates with Project Management Skills” took place on June 9th, 2023, at CSIR – STEPRI. The workshop aimed to equip young climate advocates with essential project management skills to enhance their effectiveness in tackling climate change issues. The event featured various presentations and practical sessions that focused on Bloom’s Taxonomy, project management fundamentals, and project implementation.
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
The workshop began with an insightful presentation by the speaker, emphasizing the importance of adopting Bloom’s Taxonomy to stand out as individuals. The taxonomy hierarchy, consisting of six stages, including Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create, was discussed. Participants were encouraged to incorporate all stages into their daily work to achieve outstanding results. By starting with remembering and understanding basic facts and concepts, individuals can progress to higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, and creativity.
Introduction to Project Management:
The workshop proceeded with an introduction to project management, highlighting the characteristics of a project, such as being temporal, unique, and producing specific outcomes or deliverables. Two main types of projects were discussed: predictive projects, which follow a clear structure and have known results, and adaptive projects, which allow for flexibility and account for possible changes during execution.
Project Life Cycle:
The project life cycle, comprising initiation, planning, execution, project termination, and project review, was presented as a framework for managing projects effectively. The importance of monitoring and controlling throughout the project’s duration was emphasized, including activities such as inspection, assessment, evaluation, and taking corrective actions. The distinction between projects and ongoing operations was also highlighted, with projects having defined timelines and objectives.
Practical Session:
In the practical session, participants were divided into four groups to collaborate on projects related to climate change. Each group was given 10 minutes to present their project ideas and implementation plans. The projects included topics such as using waste products to make pads for menstrual periods, creating sustainable environments by integrating trees and green spaces into cities, promoting education and green planting in mining areas, and implementing a community-based approach to reduce carbon emissions using natural resources.
Comments from Presentations and Expert Feedback:
The presentations delivered by the participant groups showcased their understanding and application of the concepts learned during the workshop. Conflict resolution skills, effective teamwork, and the utilization of project management models were observed among the participants. Experts commended the quality of the presentations and highlighted the importance of conflicts and challenges in project management. They emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation throughout the project life cycle and the significance of technology in project implementation. The experts also encouraged the participants to collaborate beyond the workshop to implement the suggested projects.
Climate change is about results and outcomes
Addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach, employing both predictive and adaptive measures.
Conclusion:
The “Empowering Young Climate Advocates with Project Management Skills” workshop provided valuable insights into Bloom’s Taxonomy and project management fundamentals. Participants gained knowledge on project characteristics, types, and the project life cycle. The practical session allowed participants to apply their learnings and present innovative project ideas related to climate change. The event fostered collaboration, teamwork, and critical thinking among the participants, empowering them to take effective action as climate advocates. The workshop’s impact is expected to extend beyond the event itself, with the potential implementation of the proposed projects contributing to addressing climate change challenges.
