Young Cyclist Embarks on a Global Adventure to Combat Poverty
A 17-year-old high school student from Bordeaux, Achille Delfour, has set off on an ambitious journey to cycle around the world, aiming to cover approximately 31,000 kilometers in 600 days. This project, named Kairos, not only serves as a personal challenge for Achille but also seeks to raise awareness and funds for the Time To Help France association, which combats extreme poverty and inequality. His journey will take him through 23 countries, including France, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and eventually to the United States, with the goal of raising enough money to build a drinking water well for students in Central Africa.
Achille's adventure is marked by his determination to enter the Guinness World Records as the youngest person to cycle around the globe. To achieve this, he must adhere to strict guidelines, including maintaining geolocation throughout his journey and limiting extended stops. The mayor of Bordeaux, Pierre Hurmic, has shown his support by organizing the departure from the town hall garden, underscoring the initiative's significance.
Education Crisis Amid Climate Change: A Global Challenge
In a stark contrast to Achille's inspiring journey, a recent World Bank report reveals that the climate crisis is severely impacting education worldwide. Over 400 million students have experienced school closures due to extreme weather events, with those in low-income countries suffering the most. The report highlights that students in these regions missed an average of 45 school days, compared to just 6 days in higher-income countries. This alarming trend threatens to erode educational progress and exacerbate social inequalities, particularly in developing nations.
Sergio Venegas Marín, an economist at the World Bank, emphasizes that education is critical in combating poverty and must adapt to the changing climate. The report proposes various adaptation measures, including improving school infrastructure and enhancing remote learning capabilities. Additionally, it stresses the importance of climate education to empower young people to take action and mitigate their climate anxiety, known as solastalgia.
Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Climate Education
As climate anxiety escalates among the youth, particularly in developing countries, the World Bank report underscores the need for robust climate education. Many young people feel a sense of betrayal by their governments regarding climate action, with 83% of surveyed youths expressing fear for the future. Countries like Bangladesh, where climate change impacts are acutely felt, highlight the urgent need for educational initiatives that equip students with knowledge about climate issues.
Education is not just a tool for personal development; it is essential for fostering climate awareness and enabling young individuals to engage meaningfully in climate action. The report calls for immediate investment in education systems to ensure they can withstand the challenges posed by climate change, ultimately empowering the next generation to advocate for their future.
