The iconic Captain Planet Show, an animated series has transcended the realm of entertainment to become a catalyst for positive change in real life.
The impact of the show has led to the establishment of the Captain Planet Foundation, (CPF), a non- profit organization committed to championing environmental stewardship.
In an exclusive interview with host of Y107.9FM in Ghana’s ‘Dryve of Your Lyfe’ show, Kojo Manuel, CEO and President of the Captain Planet Foundation, Leesa Carter said the foundation was inspired by the show.
She said, the foundation aims to empower individuals who yearn address pressing environmental concerns and build the capacity of persons to continuously take initiatives focused on saving our planet.
“Our objective is to mobilize a new generation of individuals who are passionate about preserving their environment,” the CEO and President of CPF revealed.
She reiterated that the foundation serves as a tangible embodiment of the show’s core values, that is, focusing on the initiative which seeks to promote environmental education and sustainable practices.
Leesa Carter added that, the foundation’s impact is already being felt with numerous individuals and environmental projects benefiting from the support and training.
“For 32 years now we have been empowering and engaging people to be problem solvers on the planet, we do that with grant programs and training to help young people stand up and implement campaigns that will improve the environment based on problems and ideas they have about how they want to see that improved,” she stated.
Unfortunate necessity
For his part, President of the Ghana Planeteers Movement and a Board Member of the Captain Planet Foundation; Timothy Karikari said physical meetings of the Ghana team declined due to relocation by members and restriction including COVID-19. He, however, said while the pause was an unfortunate necessity, it paved way for a revamped meeting. “Actually, this is a rebirth. The next phase for us is to develop the next Planeteers, give them the resources and capacity to take this to the next level”, he said. Persons interested in joining the Ghana Planeteers were advised to send a WhatsApp message to +233242302196.
Leverage on Digital platforms
Programs Coordinator for Planeteer Alliance, Robin Okunowor, indicated that the initiative is leveraging on the power of digital platforms to empower individuals who are passionate and committed about environmental conservation. “We are using the digital spread to allow Planeteers spread, also anyone already excited about anything on the planet can come in,” the Programs Coordinator said. Persons interested in joining the Planeteer Alliance were directed to visit the website; www.planeteeralliance.com
Captain Planet Foundation executes its mission both as a program operator and as a grant-maker.
Over the past 30 years, more than 1.6 million children have directly participated in CPF’s programs, which have funded 3,300+ projects, impacting 10.5 million young people. The Ghana Planeteers movement is a registered Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana affiliated to the Captain Planet Foundation and world wide planeteer movement. Its members engage in voluntary campaigns and projects focused on improving the Ghanaian and global environment. It has initiated campaigns such as the “One Month -One Clean Up Campaign”, IMatter March project, Environment and Job Creation Conference, Source Separation Education in Lower Primary schools and many others. Its headed in Ghana by Timothy Karikari; a media business leader and academic.