About the Conference
The issue of climate change is one that calls for awareness and immediate action, most especially for the younger constituents of our society. With this in mind, Museo Pambata gathered participants from all over the nation and the world for the 2nd Asian Children's Museum Conference, with the theme “Children and Climate Change,” held at the historic Manila Hotel last February 2 to 4, 2012. This was made possible through a grant from the Japan Foundation-Manila.
Over a hundred participants from different fields came together for a three-day conference to discuss climate change awareness and how to teach children about the role they play in facing the effects of climate change.
Speakers from the Philippines, Japan, South Africa, France, and the USA discussed their projects dealing with issues on climate change and effective methods in imparting this knowledge to the youth. Main theme areas included: Climate change exhibitions for children in Japan, Reinventing Exhibitions on Climate Change, The Gamot Cogon School Initiative, Children's Literature and Climate Change, Children and Coral Reefs, and Children's Perceptions of Climate Change.
“It was a wonderful conference because it brought together so many different people from different backgrounds and interests. There are some serious issues and challenges but there are so many different people with wonderful ideas so it really makes me feel positive and hopeful,” says Meg Burke, a speaker from the California Academy of Sciences.
There was also an innovations panel where several speakers talked about their projects that help conserve the environment. One of the panelists is Bryan McClelland, who builds bicycles out of bamboo. He shares: “It’s great to have so many people involved in educating the youth. I think that these are great steps in order to have an educated student body that is going to make the environmental movement stronger here in the Philippines.”
Tresnawati Prihadi, a participant from the Singapore Philatelic Museum says, “It brings me this idea now that we should do something about climate change and get the children to understand it better through our exhibitions, and localizing it because we live in Singapore. It's a city, it's hard for our kids to understand about reefs and deforestation and so on, but there's something that we can do to get us to start preserving our earth.” A public school teacher from Manila also shared: “I've learned a lot of new things - things that I can share with my co-teachers. It is good to know that there are many different agencies and institutions who help each other out in taking steps on climate change.”
Discussions on the speakers' presentations were facilitated by Paolo Abrera, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Museo Pambata's Executive Director, Maricel Montero.
Participants also attended a scrap art workshop by visual artist Alma Quinto, where they used pieces of cloth to create artwork illustrating their commitment in addressing climate change. Another workshop on teaching kids about climate change by making it fun through games was facilitated by Froilan Grate of Mother Earth Foundation.
The participants were also entertained with performances from the Batang Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Pedro Gomez Anklung and Bumbong ensemble. Recycled/reconstructed clothing designs from Ann Wizer and Alma Quinto were also showcased through a fashion show.
To cap off the conference, the participants embarked on a field trip to Paco Market, seeing firsthand how the redevelopment team revitalized the Estero de Paco, followed by a trip to the National Museum of the Filipino People to learn more about Philippine history.
The event was co-presented by the City of Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, WS Family Foundation, Inc., The Philippine Star, Globe Telecom, Inc., Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Senator Sergio Osmeña III, Philusa Corporation, and Sterling Paper Products, Inc.
History of the Conference
In 2008, Museo Pambata organized the first Asian Children's Museum Conference with the theme: "Children's Museums as Bridges of Peace." This was held at the Manila Hotel, participated by both foreign and local experts on peace building with about 200 attendees.
Children and Climate Change
Global communities are addressing climate change more keenly as we witness environmental havoc - earthquakes, flooding, and extreme weather conditions. Children learn about this in school, through media, and from their parents. They may also be victims of the consequences brought about by environmental change. How are the various sectors in society addressing these issues on climate change? How can children be planet savers, champions in their own way, who will resolve to be part of the solution and not the problem on Climate Change? Young people need to be well informed about climate change and mitigation options and to be made aware of the consequences of their consumption behavior so that they can play a strong role in combating climate change and promoting changes in attitudes and behaviors.