The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Community Outreach Department has ended two-days Environmental Days for pupils who are undertaking the bespoke Tacugama Kids Environmental Education (TKEEP) programme on 18th and 22nd March 2026.
One Environmental Day was hosted at the Regent Community Centre for pupils of the Rural Education Committee Primary School at Regent, Church of Christ, Mountain Rural, Saio Primary and Logus Academy.
Schools that participated in the other completion are Education For All School in Allen Town, Amazing Grace, Children in Crisis and Abigail Butcher Primary Schools.
The competition for pupils included quiz, drama performances, poetry and spelling for which they were awarded various prizes like certificates, packets of pens and pencils, notebooks, backpacks, T-shirts, geometry sets and water bottles.
This year’s TKEEP Environmental Days focused on the Chimpanzee as the National Animal, celebrating the newly-designated animal as a source of pride of Sierra Leone; the only nation in the world to have the Chimpanzee as its National Animal.
The days also involved nature and wildlife-themed games and competitions for pupils to celebrate what they have learned about wildlife conservation, and the role of the Chimpanzee in Sierra Leone. TKEEP is a year-long supplemental programme taught by pupils’ own teachers, with support and mentorship from Tacugama education specialists.
Some of the pupils interviewed commended Tacugama Sanctuary for the initiative and appealed its sustenance.
The event marked a vibrant and impactful Environmental Day event with TKEEP schools across the Western Area surrounding Tacugama. The session was highly educative, engaging and inspiring, bringing together young learners to celebrate environmental awareness and conservation.
Pupils actively participated in a variety of competitions, including quiz, drama, spelling bee, presentations and poetry. These activities provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase not only their knowledge of environmental issues but also their creativity, confidence and public speaking skills. The level of participation and enthusiasm demonstrated by the schools was truly impressive, reflecting a growing awareness and commitment among young people toward protecting the environment.
At the end of the competitions, prizes were awarded to outstanding performers in recognition of their hard work and excellence. This served as both a reward and motivation for continued learning and engagement in environmental stewardship.
Beyond the competitions, the event reinforced key messages around conservation, sustainability, and the importance of protecting chimpanzees and their natural habitats. It also fostered collaboration, teamwork, and peer learning among participating schools.
Looking ahead, preparations are underway to host similar Environmental Day activities for the Eastern schools, ensuring that more students benefit from this initiative and continue to amplify the message of environmental protection.
This event once again highlights Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary’s strong commitment to promoting education, inspiring young minds, and advancing sustainability for a better future.
