Duduzile Nyathi
Ten young and dynamic organizations have been awarded a combined $50 000 grant to combat climate change challenges in the city.
The funding, provided by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, will support innovative projects ranging from waste management and renewable energy to environmental education and community engagement.
Bulawayo joins a global network of 100 cities receiving support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative. The grant recipients were selected from a pool of over 100 applicants through a rigorous competition. The successful organizations are the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) GIS and Remote Sensing Department, NUST- Computer Science Department, Youths for Innovation Trust, Dominican Convent High School, Green Hut Trust, Greater Light Trust, Victory Siyanqoba Trust, Intsha Trust, YALI Regional Leaders Centre, and Bulawayo Adventist High School.
A diverse range of projects will be undertaken by the grant recipients. The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) will lead the charge on data-driven solutions. Their GIS and Remote Sensing department will pinpoint Bulawayo’s emission hotspots, while Computer Science students develop a mobile app to foster waste recycling within the university community.
Turning to education and awareness, Youths for Innovation Trust will enlighten the public about climate change and create eco-friendly software, while Dominican Convent High School will convert waste into biogas and implement efficient waste management practices.
Addressing environmental challenges head-on, Green Hut Trust will introduce smart waste bins, combat illegal dumping, and restore native vegetation. Greater Light Trust will illuminate rural communities with renewable energy and improved waste handling.
To foster community engagement, Victory Siyanqoba Trust will combine education and culture to raise climate consciousness in Nkulumane. Intsha Trust will cultivate a garden nursery to promote resilient agriculture and combat food shortages.
Building capacity is a core focus for YALI Regional Leaders Centre, which will equip farmers with climate-smart techniques, water management skills, and renewable energy knowledge. Finally, Bulawayo Adventist High School students will contribute to cleaner air by planting indigenous and herbal trees.
These projects demonstrate the diverse and innovative approaches being taken by young people to address climate change in Bulawayo.
Mayor David Coltart commended the young grant recipients for their creativity and passion. “These young leaders have a profound understanding of Bulawayo’s climate crisis,” said Mayor Coltart. “Their projects hold immense potential to enhance the city’s sustainability.”
The awarded projects will be implemented over the next several months. The local authority aims to secure additional funding to expand support for youth-led climate initiatives.
