WORF Engages More Than 800 Young People in Climate Action and Sustainable Finance

With support from the Africa-Europe Foundation through the Partnerships Initiative Support Scheme, the Women in Recycling Foundation implemented the Climate and Sustainable Finance Project, engaging more than 800 young people in climate education, sustainable finance dialogues, environmental campaigns and practical community action.

The project was developed to strengthen young people’s understanding of climate change and their ability to participate meaningfully in the decisions and financing systems that shape climate action. Although young people are among those most affected by climate change, many have limited access to information about climate policies, adaptation and mitigation strategies, climate finance and opportunities to contribute to environmental solutions.

Through a combination of workshops, public dialogues, environmental campaigns and cross-border learning, the project helped participants connect global climate discussions with the environmental challenges experienced in their communities.

Building Youth Understanding of Climate Finance

In September 2024, we convened a two-day youth workshop on climate action and sustainable finance in Dar es Salaam. The workshop brought together 100 young people and introduced them to climate adaptation, mitigation, sustainable finance, donor engagement and global policy frameworks.

Participants explored how climate projects are developed and financed and why youth voices must be included in climate-related planning and decision-making. They also learned how communication, advocacy and social media can be used to raise public awareness and mobilize communities around environmental issues.

The sessions helped participants understand that climate finance should not remain a discussion limited to international conferences and large institutions. It must also reach community-based initiatives and young people who are already developing practical responses to waste pollution, flooding, environmental degradation and livelihood insecurity.

Moving from Learning to Community Action

The project combined climate education with practical environmental activities. Two hundred young people participated in community clean-ups and tree-planting campaigns in Dar es Salaam. These activities resulted in the collection of approximately three tonnes of plastic waste and the planting of 100 trees.

By participating directly in these activities, young people were able to apply what they had learned and see the connection between climate action, waste management, ecosystem restoration and community health. The activities also encouraged teamwork, environmental responsibility and continued youth participation in local climate solutions.

Expanding Environmental Education

Educational workshops and awareness campaigns reached more than 500 students and community members. These sessions increased understanding of climate change and promoted practical actions such as responsible waste disposal, waste reduction, recycling and tree planting.

The project also organized public debates involving approximately 150 community members. These discussions created spaces for young people and other community stakeholders to examine local and global climate policies, exchange perspectives and identify actions that could be implemented at the community level.

Connecting Young People Across Africa and Europe

An important component of the project was a cross-continental webinar connecting Tanzanian participants with 10 young people from Europe. The session created an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, discuss shared climate challenges and explore different approaches to climate action and sustainable finance.

This cross-border engagement helped young people recognize that climate change is a global challenge with different local realities. It also expanded their networks and demonstrated the value of collaboration between young people from Africa and Europe in developing inclusive and practical climate solutions.

Strengthening Youth Leadership in Climate Action

Overall, the project engaged more than 800 young people in Tanzania while creating an additional platform for exchange with European youth. Participants gained knowledge, practical experience and stronger confidence to participate in environmental action, public dialogue and climate advocacy.

The project demonstrated that young people are not only beneficiaries of climate programmes. They are educators, innovators, advocates and community leaders capable of developing and implementing solutions when they are provided with the right knowledge, resources and platforms.

Through our partnership with the Africa-Europe Foundation, we strengthened the connection between youth empowerment, environmental responsibility and sustainable finance. We remain committed to expanding opportunities for young people to participate in climate decision-making and to lead practical solutions that protect the environment and strengthen community resilience.