In order to explain how our societal disconnect with nature is affecting today's children and youth. We have entered into a new era of suburban sprawl that restricts outdoor play, in conjunction with a plugged-in culture that draws kids indoors to computer games.

Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medical condition — it describes our lack of a relationship to the environment. It hurts our children, our families, our communities, and our environment. And that is the modern trend amongst the new generation in the 21^st century.

Help Change Ghana Organization(HcG) is thus pioneering the need for Conservation Education which is dedicated to promoting understanding and respect for our natural environment through education of all ages, direct protection and exemplary stewardship of the region’s natural resources, conservation research, and programs that encourage active participation in the great outdoors. Although conservation education should not be seen as the magic bullet to cure all ailments, parents should see the woods (forests), streams, fields and canyons around their home as a type of therapy to keep kids focused, confident, healthy, and balanced.

Luckily, the cure starts in our own backyards. It is one of the most burning education questions of the day, and, according to experts, a lack of routine contact with nature may result in stunted academic and developmental growth. This unwanted side-effect of the electronic age is called Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD).

While Nature Deficit Disorder is not a clinical term, the concept has struck a chord with parents and educators. Help Change Ghana underscores the need why schools shouldn't just teach about nature in the classroom, but rather should be sending youth out to nature—even if it is just to the patch of woods behind the school compound. We believe these types of field trips and excursions should not be viewed as a little break from school, but as an integral part of the learning experience.

As a nation, there is the need to champion education as the antidote to Nature Deficit Disorder. This approach could be done through television programs and field related projects in various community school. Promoting conservation education is to add to the existing ways of enhancing individual health and well-being and that of the Earth itself through direct experiences in nature.

Help Change Ghana in championing this cause.

By Ebenezer Boahene Annoh – Public Relations Manager (HcG)

(www.helpchangeghana.org)