YOUTH CHAMPIONS - Green movement emerges among AP education scholarship beneficiaries
Young people who are beneficiaries of African Parks scholarship during tertiary education have teamed up and formed a green movement named Youth Empowerment and Environmental Management
MACHINGA, Malawi (Planet Defence) – African Parks education scholarship beneficiaries have teamed up to form Youth Empowerment and Environmental Management (YEEM) to address environment challenges through participatory active involvement in sustainable development.
YEEM objectives are youth education and awareness, skill development, community engagement, partnerships and collaboration including research and innovation.
Grace Chilongo, YEEM co-founder says the aim to promote environment consciousness, empower youths, and create a harmonious community. The youth group is also playing a vital role at national level by spearheading various initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges through youth involvement in sustainable development.
Chiyembekezo Wilson, is YEEM’s co-founder and a Bachelor of Education Physics finalist at the University of Malawi now doing teaching practice.
“The environment has always held a special place in my heart. I'm truly grateful for the support of my secondary education tuition fees. Not surprising, I’ve chosen to support my community through YEEM, aiming for collective success rather than individual achievement,” says Wilson.
Another member is Elizabeth Charley, holder of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science obtained at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Charley is a dedicated environment enthusiast hailing from the vibrant community of Liwonde, Machinga.
My journey with YEEM has been a transformative experience, allowing me to channel my passion into meaningful action, Charley explained in an interview.
“Through this organization, I have honed my skills in environment advocacy, project management and community engagement, all fostering a deep commitment to the betterment of our environment and the empowerment of young people,” Charley shared her passion in environment conservation.
Other members include Stephano Baweja, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Midwifery from Mzuzu University who also joined YEEM as a change agent, “when we take care for the environment, we bring life to a beautiful context for better health.”
Another member Chrispin Paul, an Environmental Science graduate from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources also joined YEEM to contribute to conservation of the environment,
“I want to make a profound impact in addressing the planetary challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and wastes that leads to pollution,” Paul like the biblical messenger of God in the bible has taken the role as delegated in the book in Genesis scriptures.
Motivational talks
YEEM is involved in a series of activities and one of them is motivational talks in schools, online workshops and physical meetings.
YEEM has actively engaged with individuals to impart knowledge and foster a sense of responsibility towards sound environment stewardship.
According to Chilongo, one of the primary endeavours of YEEM has been the provision of motivational talks in various primary and secondary schools.
Recognizing the importance of early environmental education, YEEM has engaged with students, encouraging them to become active participants in conserving their natural surroundings.
Online workshops
Other than motivational talks YEEM has taken advantage of the power of technology to unite people throughdigital platforms and conduct online workshops, targeting both young people and adults of all gender.
“These workshops serve as a valuable platform to educate participants about environmental peace building. By fostering a deeper understanding of the inter-dependence between environmental sustainability and peace, YEEM equips youth with knowledge and tools to promote harmony within their communities. The online platforms allows for broader engagement reach, enabling individuals beyond Machinga to benefit from the organization's expertise,” explains Chilongo in an interview.
Student recognition programme
YEEM recognition program serves as a powerful motivator for students as role model in society.
“Rewarding outstanding students, YEEM creates an environment that promotes educational achievements, leading to improved academic performance and overall youth development.
By showcasing the accomplishments of high-achieving students, YEEM sets a standard of academic success that encourages healthy competition and a drive for improvement among their peers,” Chilongo explains in an interview.
She added that rewarding outstanding students also instils a sense of pride and self -confidence within the youth. When their hard work and dedication are recognized, students gain a boost in their self-esteem, which positively impacts their academic performance.
Rewarding outstanding students
To incentivize and recognize outstanding achievements in environment stewardship, YEEM has implemented a student recognition program in both primary and secondary schools.
“The accolades given not only acknowledge individual efforts but also promote environment consciousness among the wider student constituency, cultivating a culture of sustainability from an early age.
Chilongo cited for instance student recognition program underway at Mgoza Primary School. It incentivizes environment stewardship and creates a ripple effect within the community.
Through these efforts, YEEM contributes to the overall growth and development of youth in Machinga, empowering them to excel academically and become responsible stewards of their environment.
David Nangoma, African Parks Park Manager for Nkhota-Kota Wildlife Reserve agree the students were supported indeed supported during his tenure while working at Liwonde National Park.
“Yes, this is active beneficiary group of the African Parks education scholarship programme. Currently, they are now recruiting beneficiaries from secondary school so it is really bound to grow,” Nangoma shared the background as former Extension Manager of Liwonde National Parks.
With Malawi Vision 2063 youth empowerment is key is inculcate a culture of mindset to ensure environmental sustainability as one of the enablers.
This is great work you guys❤️, I have read your stories and I have been touched. It would really be nice to work with you guys some other time. Keep up the good work #environmental education #gratitude