ELA’s Jabulani Mtsweni addressing the youth at the start of the event in Evaton- West at Mokhelele community.
In a collaboration with the Eugene Meck Foundation, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg presented a Youth Dialogue in Vaal at Evaton West Mkhelele. This initiative, driven by the inspiring theme “Our Land, Our Future,” is designed to empower and equip young people, in a bid to ensure that they are prepared to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Wozanathi Edutainment, InTouch Youth Development and Palm Springs Green also joined the discussion.
Eugene Meck, founder of Eugene Meck Foundation, the host of the Youth Dialogue.
According to Director Makoma Lekalakala, “This is why Earthlife Africa has convened a number of community-based groups – with members from Gauteng, Limpopo and Eastern Cape – to promote the inclusion and participation of women, young leaders and grassroots representation. These Youth Dialogues are a pivotal part of Earthlife Africa’s commitment to fostering leadership among the youth, which is crucial in the pursuit of environmental and climate justice.”
Ronnie Kapaso from In-Touch Youth Development Organisation in Orange Farm, motivating the youth present at the event.
The event offers a platform for young people to share their perspectives, learn from experts, and collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Director and Founder of the Eugene Meck Foundation, Eugene Meck says, “It really is incredible to see the commitment and energy of the young people in my community, towards protecting our planet. Some even came back, days after the workshop, because they needed more information to help them better understand the topics that was shared.”
She says, “This Youth Dialogue was an extraordinary experience. It was thought-provoking and inspirational and has left our young people energized because now they have a much better understanding of climate change and what is needed to protect our environment.”
“We are grateful to Earthlife Africa for taking the time to speak to our community about these issues. I can honestly say, just from the response from my community, that we feel more empowered now and we are geared up to continue this journey. I can’t wait to see where our collective efforts take us next,” adds Meck.
ELA’s Sibongile Ndlovu, addressing the youth and motivating them on being active citizens in their communities and to fight for what is right for where they come from.
Programs Coordinator, Sibongile Ndlovu says, “This sentiment resonates deeply with Earthlife Africa’s mission to inspire and empower young South Africans, particularly black women, to enable (and ensure) their participation in the just transition. Let us celebrate and support these young leaders who are dedicated to preserving our environment for generations to come. The fight for environmental, energy, and climate justice is a fight for human rights in South Africa! Together, we can make a difference! But it is critical that they properly equip themselves for the challenges and solutions needed, now and in the future.”
Ndlovu says, “The Youth Dialogue aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, providing participants with the tools and resources they need to become effective advocates for environmental justice. By encouraging a sense of responsibility and urgency, through these dialogues, we seek to inspire a generation of leaders who are not only passionate about, but also involved in safeguarding our planet.”
Ulrich Steenkamp from Earthlife Africa, providing the keynote presentation on job opportunities in the climate change and energy sectors with the theme of ‘Our Land, Our Future”.
How You Can Get Involved
- Educate Yourself and Others: Start by learning about climate change, its impacts, and the ways we can mitigate these effects. Share this knowledge with your peers to raise awareness.
- Join Local Environmental Groups: Engage with organizations like Earthlife Africa and Intouch Youth Centre. Volunteering your time and skills can make a significant impact.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Use your voice to advocate for stronger environmental policies at local, national, and global levels. Write to your representatives, participate in campaigns, and support eco-friendly initiatives.
- Lead by Example: Make sustainable choices in your daily life. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and opt for renewable energy sources whenever possible. Your actions can inspire others to follow suit.
- Organize Community Events: Host workshops, clean-up drives, or tree-planting events in your community. Such initiatives not only help the environment but also build a sense of collective responsibility.
For more information about our work, follow Earthlife Africa Johannesburg on Facebook and Twitter.