Bulawayo Launches Youth Climate Action Fund to Drive Climate Action with up to $5,000 Micro-Grants
The City of Bulawayo has launched the “Youth Climate Action Fund” (YCAF), funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, to empower youth to tackle the climate crisis. The program provides up to $5,000 in micro-grants to youth-led organisations, aiming to transform Bulawayo into a sustainable urban development model and inspire other communities.
The YCAF project, launched at Silwane Youth Centre on 24 May, aims to support projects in renewable energy, climate adaptation, green mobility, citizen participation, and environmental education, transforming innovative ideas into tangible projects.
Speaking at the launch event, Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart emphasised the critical role of young people in addressing the climate crisis.
Devising Solutions
Coltart said, “If young people understand the nature of the problems and adopt those issues themselves and devise solutions, then we will have a future,” he said.
Coltart encouraged the youth to be enthusiastic and competitive in their proposals, with a particular focus on engaging schools in the process. He also highlighted the importance of planting indigenous trees as part of the climate initiatives, urging the development of tree nurseries in schools and other community spaces.
Coltart encouraged the young participants to be enthusiastic and competitive in their proposals, with a particular focus on involvement from schools. He expressed the importance of engaging schools in the project and rewarded those schools with the best plans. The proposed programs can include climate education initiatives, youth-driven research projects, climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and more.
Indigenous Trees
In addition to these efforts, Mayor Coltart called for a specific focus on indigenous trees. He highlighted the importance of planting trees native to Zimbabwe, as opposed to non-indigenous species that are dying off. He encouraged the development of indigenous tree nurseries in schools and other areas, transforming climate change initiatives into self-sustaining income-generating projects for the youth.
Representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube speaking during the launch Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Paul Nyoni praised the city’s efforts in tackling climate change.
He said, “This is the kind of event that is music to the Honourable Minister’s ears.”
Challenges Faced
Nyoni recognised the unique challenges facing today’s youth, including global information, drug abuse, and disease outbreaks, but emphasised their adaptability, trainability, and innovative spirit.
“The youth, as usual, are also adaptable, trainable, and above all, very innovative. How do those of us in positions of leadership respond to them and their challenges? This is one of the key pieces of our time,” Nyoni said.
Nyoni also underscored the importance of promoting entrepreneurship among the youth, noting that the YCAF program has the potential to change lives and inspire young innovators. He cited the example of a young man who had recycled plastic into tiles, encouraging the youth to turn their ideas into tangible products.
Changing Lives
Mayor Coltart expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it has the potential to “change lives” in Bulawayo. He urged the young people in attendance to take advantage of the opportunity and participate in the program, urging the city’s commitment to working “hand-in-glove” with them to ensure the success and sustainability of the projects.
The launch of the Youth Climate Action Fund marks a significant milestone in Bulawayo’s journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future. By empowering its youth to lead the charge against climate change, the city is setting an example for other municipalities in Zimbabwe and beyond, demonstrating that the power to create a greener, cleaner world lies in the hands of the next generation.
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