Greening Forward, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment plant seeds of environmental leadership with pupils.

The innovative programme brings together creative storytelling and environmental education to inspire young students and educators to take action on pressing climate issues, inspiring them to believe in their ability to create positive change-no matter how big or small- for the betterment of the planet. 

By equipping children with the tools and knowledge they need to address challenges like water scarcity and pollution, Planting Seeds aims to foster a new generation of environmental stewards dedicated to protecting their communities and the planet.

The initiative leverages the animated eco-hero character, ‘Future Chicken’, which is part of a pioneering digital platform designed to empower children to combat climate change and counter the climate ‘doomism’ and eco-anxiety experienced by many young people today.

Instead of educating through fear-based messaging, Future Chicken uses humour and positivity to provide kids with a vibrant, engaging environment that both entertains and educates, fostering hope and action.

Empowering next generation of planet protectors

Cameroon, renowned for its rich biodiversity, faces growing environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and resource degradation—all of which affect the health, education, and livelihoods of its communities. Schools play a vital role in shaping future leaders and empowering students to act on these pressing issues.

Recognising this, Greening Forward connected with Wind Sun Sky Entertainment Inc. to develop a pilot programme, featuring the Canadian multimedia company’s Future Chicken eco-hero, and bring climate education into classrooms in a way that inspires children without contributing to a sense of anxiety about the future.

Together they hatched the Planting Seeds initiative, a climate education programme with a special focus on Cameroon’s pressing water challenges. 

Through a series of interactive classroom activities, dynamic discussions on water conservation and teacher training on climate action resources. The programme reached more than 5,000 students across Cameroon in December 2024

Partnership for a brighter future

Buoyed by the success of the pilot phase, Greening Forward and Wind Sun Sky are now expanding Planting Seeds nationwide, aiming to reach over four million Cameroonian students in the coming years.

At the forefront of Greening Forward’s efforts stands Forbi Perise, a globally recognised environmental advocate and “The Plastic Man”. Forbi has dedicated his career to inspiring youth to take tangible actions against climate change. 

As a 2020 United Nations World Oceans Day speaker, Forbi has tirelessly championed the cause for sustainability, creating opportunities for young people to become eco-leaders in their communities.  

“We need to ignite innovation and creativity in our youth to tackle the climate challenges ahead,” Forbi said, adding that: “Future Chicken provides a unique platform to educate children about climate change through storytelling, humor, and hope, empowering them to take bold steps for our planet’s future”.

On her part, Catherine Winder, Co-Creator of Future Chicken and CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, echoes same sentiment

“Our mission is to provide children with the knowledge and tools they need to combat eco-anxiety and take meaningful action on climate change. This collaboration with Greening Forward is just the beginning—we aim to inspire children around the world, starting with Cameroon,” Winder said. 

“We are just getting started,” Winder noted, adding that: “This is the first of many initiatives that will bring Future Chicken’s eco-friendly message to children worldwide. Our hope is to create a global movement for climate action and inspire children to become the change-makers our planet needs”. 

Building a global movement for sustainability

By equipping students with the knowledge and creativity to address environmental issues, the Planting Seeds initiative aspires to foster a generation of environmental stewards who will protect Cameroon’s natural resources and lead the charge for global sustainability.

“This initiative is not just about education—it’s about creating change,” said Mohith VJ Kumar, Senior Vice President of Brand Growth & Partnerships at Wind Sun Sky. 

“By harnessing the power of creative storytelling and beloved characters like Future Chicken, we are inspiring children to see themselves as catalysts for positive change in their communities,” Kumar added

About Wind Sun Sky Entertainment

Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is a leader in global franchise development. Based in its studio in Vancouver, it works at the intersection of storytelling and technology. 

Its expertise lies in crafting compelling multi-platform narratives across Broadcast, YouTube, Gaming, and more, allowing content to reach and resonate with global audiences.

About Greening Forward 

Greening Forward establishes, engages, and empowers a diverse movement of young people in Cameroon for the protection of the environment through various climate initiatives. 

Greening Forward is a youth-driven, youth-led, and youth-imagined environmental organisation. Founded in 2008 by the then 12-year-old Charles Orgbon III, Greening Forward has grown into one of the largest youth-led nonprofit organisations in Cameroon. 

About Ontario Water Centre and ClearWater Farm

A Future Chicken partner, the Ontario Water Centre with its flagship ClearWater Farm, is an educational charity inspired by water; a hub for ecological innovation and leadership development that engages with young people through science, technology, and the arts. 

The charity’s flagship is ClearWater Farm, launched in 2016 as a ‘living lab’ where kids in their wonder years can learn from the natural world. Learn more here: https://clearwaterfarm.ca

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3365 of Friday February 14, 2025