GQEBERHA – Learners are being encouraged to take action on environmental issues through a two-day Change Maker Programme hosted by YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay in partnership with Masifunde.

Grade 9 learners from Victory Leadership Academy, St Thomas Senior Secondary School, Chapman High School and Gelvandale High School participated in the programme at the YMCA centre.

According to Fion Mfenqa, YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay Public Relations and Communications Manager, the programme focused on leadership, social awareness and climate change.

“After the training, learners will return to their schools as peer facilitators and identify environmental challenges.

Key focus areas include littering, plastic pollution and the lack of green spaces.

She added that the aim is to encourage learners to move beyond awareness and take ownership of climate action within their schools.

YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay CEO Lerato Lebopo said the partnership reflects the importance of collaboration in supporting young people.

“The programme also aligns with YMCA’s Vision 2030 focus on climate action, while Masifunde continues its work in education and youth empowerment.

For many of the learners, the experience has already changed how they view environmental responsibility.”

Sibusiso Zweni from Victory Leadership Academy said he now understands climate change in a completely different way.

“Before the Change Maker activation, I did not really know what ‘climate action’ actually meant,” he explained. “The programme introduced me to the science behind it, especially how greenhouse gases contribute to global warming. It changed how I see the world around me.”

The Grade 9 learner shared that he now wants to use social media platforms to bring awareness to climate change initiatives.

“I want to use my social media platforms to advocate for the protection of our forests,” he said. “I’ve realised that reducing deforestation is important because trees are like our lungs — they provide the oxygen we need while absorbing carbon dioxide.”

He also pointed to pollution as a growing concern in her area, saying littering and plastic waste are damaging local environments and must be addressed.

Chapman High School learner, Bronwin Gysman, said the programme challenged her past behaviour and attitudes.

“Before joining this programme, I used to litter without really thinking twice about the consequences,” she said. “I didn’t see it as a big deal. The activation made me think about the footprint I’m leaving behind.”

She said her habits have already started to change.

“I am not indifferent now because I understand that even small actions, like recycling or throwing away trash properly, are part of a much bigger effort to save our climate,” she said.

Bronwin added that waste management remains a serious issue in schools and communities, where small actions often add up to larger environmental problems if ignored.

“Real change will depend on people adjusting their everyday behaviour and taking responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.”

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