Save the Children, in collaboration with Help the Afghan Child (HTAC) in Sar-e-Pul and Jawzjan provinces and Just for Afghan Capacity and Knowledge (JACK) in Faryab province, launched a child-led green school initiative in 15 targeted schools to address climate change. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about tree plantation and create green environments. Children in these schools took the lead by choosing areas to plant trees and flowers, with support from the sponsorship programme, which provided the necessary tools and equipment.

Save the Children conducted various training sessions as part of the school improvement plan, including but not limited to:

• Two-day school safety management training for 30 female Parents and Teachers' Association (PTA) members.
• Two-day positive parenting training for 200 parents, including 117 mothers and 83 fathers.
• Two-day positive discipline training for 28 female schoolteachers from the sponsored schools.
• Sessions for 175 community members, including community elders, fathers, and elder siblings, on the role of male family members in promoting children's education.
• Facilitated Teacher Learning and Reflection Circle sessions in 16 target schools for 141 teachers, with 108 females and 33 males participating.

Ahmad, a 13-year-old in 6^th grade, shared his thoughts: "Today, with Save the Children's support, we planted trees and flowers in our school so we can sit in their shade on warm days, read books, and create a better environment not just for us but for future students. Trees enhance the school's appearance and benefit the environment. We should continue planting more trees and ensure their protection."

Khujista*, a 10-year-old in 3rd grade, expressed her desire for a green and clean school: "I want my school to be adorned with flowers, trees, and cleanliness. Children appreciate green and clean spaces, and I believe a school with such features will reduce absenteeism. Trees and flowers beautify the surroundings, provide fruits, fresh air to breathe, and offer shaded areas for reading, playing, and relaxation."