Learners at Walmer High School have raised their voices in the mitigation and adaptation of climate change.
Grade 10 learners at the school, Afikile Ngqoleka and Anelisa Xoli, said that youth voice is essential because it represents society’s future.
“Young people bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and a passion for change.
“The youth can offer fresh perspectives that previous generations may not have explored.
“Young people play a vital role in shaping the future of our world,” says Afikile, adding that the problems youth face today tend to be neglected.
They feel they do not have a voice when it comes to climate action nor that they are given any role in making decisions when it come to renewable energy.
“The youth feel disconnected from the communities where they reside and do not know how to get involved, as a result leaving them dejected,” says Anelisa.
The duo cite a well-informed youth can address climate change, promote renewable energy (sustainability) and introduce preventive measures can be implemented.
These measures include educating and engaging young people in decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard and providing them with increased opportunities to participate in climate and renewable energy initiatives.
Afikile explains that the youth should look into programmes which provide educational resources on climate action and civic engagement, such as being involved in the climate clubs at school and becoming climate change champs.
“In the community of Walmer, the youth partake in an educational initiative by GreenCape and Masifunde Learner Development,” she says.
“All the solutions are among us; however, this can be made possible by being united, learning from each other and acting on issues that matter to our peers.
“The end results for these will be that the youth feel more connected and empowered to act on climate change and create positive change.
“This will lead to a more resilient, healthy, and supported youth population that is better equipped to face the challenges of climate change climate solutions will be more effective and renewable energy can be more widely adopted.”
This climate change initiative is co-funded by the European Union, implemented in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, presented by GreenCape and supported by skills development partner WESSA.
- Email communications@greencape.co.za for more information on the project.
