Virtual Reality experience to educate and engage youth on a journey of sustainability and climate action
UNDP and UNICEF South Africa, in collaboration with Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and Sisanda Tech, launch gamified climate related learning opportunity.
PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG, 27 May 2022 – A new Virtual Reality (VR) experience, launched today, will take children and young people on an educational and action filled adventure tackling some of the pressing environment and climate related issues of our time.
The VR experience, at the Sci-Bono Discovery Center in Johannesburg, includes multimedia content, quizzes, and direct interaction through which the learner engages in protecting forest life, keeping water safe, as well as being exposed to the impact of fossil fuels and the importance of sustainable food systems.
“This project harnesses the power of technology, innovation and youth engagement to contribute to the achievement of SDG 13 on climate action,” said Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative to South Africa.
“This Virtual Reality experience has been designed to increase awareness of the driving causes of climate change and provide youth with concrete actions they can take to fight against it and mitigate the impact,” added Dr Odusola.
The release of the VR experience comes ahead of World Environment Day on 05 June that focuses on the theme of how to live sustainably and in harmony with nature, issues which are tackled through the virtual reality journey.
“Children and young people are taking the lead in advocating for and working towards a greener and more sustainable future,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative.
“We need to empower and enable them to do just that using innovative learning opportunities through formats such as Virtual Reality,” added Muhigana.
The virtual reality experience is accessible for visitors to engage with at the Sci-Bono Discovery Center from 27 May 2022.
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