Glasgow Science Centre began delivering Climate Café events before COP26 arrived in the city. We have been privileged to work with some incredible groups such as Glasgow Disability Alliance, Gilded Lily, City of Glasgow College’s ESOL learners, African Challenge Scotland, NotAlone Empowerment Centre, Interfaith Glasgow and many more on Climate Café events within Glasgow Science Centre.
We provide STEM learning opportunities through the discussion led café events, aiming to provide a safe, judgement free and space for participants to explore climate related topics, engage with experts (where appropriate) and have some fun whilst tackling some of the worlds most importance challenges.
We worked with African Challenge Scotland to explore climate change, sustainable development goals and the impacts experienced by participants in Africa. The session involved great discussion and gave participants from multiple community groups the opportunity to meet and get to know each other.
“Its been a pleasure being with you all today. The meeting was very well lead, interactive, relaxing, informative and also educational. You made us/me feel like I have a voice, I can contribute… We really need more events like this so that our thoughts and worries and ideas can/would be forward above to the “deciders” so that down in the community we can see the benefits” – Leocadie, African Challenge Scotland
Following a Climate Café event at Glasgow Science Centre, Dinna Likonde, a student who is passionate about sustainability, community and growing was inspired to begin her own community growing project. Dinna was successful in achieving a small amount of funding from Glasgow Centre for Population Health and University of Glasgow and so Zam’Munda was born.
Zam’munda, a community group project centred around sharing the rich culture and foods of African countries, has been a great success. Dinna has secured growing plots in a couple of spaces across the city including Bellahouston Park. Dinna is passionate about sustainability and teaching young people of African descent about their heritage through food and growing.
During previous Climate Cafes many participants expressed a wish to learn skills to enable them to be more sustainable in their day to day lives. In response, we invited Nikki from Fashion Revolution to join us for a café focused on fast fashion and the impact our spending habits have on communities all over the world. Nikki taught us Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that transforms broken and ripped clothing into beautiful stitched designs, giving them new life.