Tanya, a disabled housewife, is an important figure in her community. She is deeply involved in initiatives to educate and support her neighbours on climate change issues. Tanya works with a former classmate on projects to understand and reduce the effects of climate change. She explains, ‘I’m learning a lot here, and I appreciate this institution, The CLEO Institute, because it has helped me understand climate change better.’

Learning and sharing knowledge

Tania emphasises the importance of hands-on learning, particularly when it comes to adapting to the effects of climate change. ‘We’re just starting to learn how to plant gardens, something I’ve never done before.’ Inspired by her neighbour, who has a large garden, she decided to learn how to garden to better understand how she can contribute to local food production. She adds: ‘I want to learn how to grow vegetables and help others in an emergency, such as when someone is suffering from the heat or bad weather.’

Tania is also actively preparing for natural disasters such as hurricanes: « We are preparing by collecting flashlights and batteries and thinking about our neighbours. We set up a big grill, and everyone takes turns cooking so that everyone can eat.‘ She also explains the safety measures she has learned, such as ’taking shelter in the bathroom with a mattress to avoid being blown away or injured. »

The importance of sharing and communication

Tania firmly believes in the importance of sharing knowledge. ‘We need to learn to protect each other and share what we know.’ She actively teaches her neighbours and the children in her building, passing on practical skills for dealing with emergencies. ‘I love teaching the children in the building. Their parents are busy, but I take the time to explain what I know to them.’

Teaching: learning by sharing

Tania recognises that teaching is a source of personal enrichment. ‘I learn so that I can share. Nothing is more valuable than sharing.’ She makes it a point of honour never to keep knowledge to herself and to pass on what she learns to those who need it.

For her, ‘Community comes first. We have to learn to share and protect each other.’

A message of hope for the younger generation

When asked to share a message of hope for the younger generation, Tania responds with kind conviction: « Children are often anxious about climate change. We need to reassure them that they are safe and that we will look out for them. If you are afraid, come to us and we will explain how to prepare and feel safe. »

An inspiring woman

Tania embodies community engagement and resilience in the face of climate change challenges. Her desire to learn and share her knowledge makes her a key figure in her community. Through her involvement in practical and educational initiatives, she inspires those around her to adapt to environmental realities and care for one another in the face of natural disasters.