Written by: Admin_SheEvo
My name is Valencia, and I’m an advocate for climate change from Lusaka, Zambia. In 2024, my family faced financial struggles that forced us to move to a shanty compound. It was during this time that a severe drought hit, and I witnessed firsthand how my community suffered. People walked long distances for water, food became scarce, and livelihoods were destroyed. It all traced back to one pressing issue: climate change.
What struck me most was how many in my community either lacked knowledge about climate change or were unaware of its devastating effects. Seeing their struggles… especially my aunt, a single mother who lost her baking business due to power outages and drought, broke my heart. But it also ignited a fire in me. I realized that ignorance wasn’t an option anymore someone had to step up.
So, I decided to act. I started by creating the Green Club at my school and took on the “Climate Education and Action for Youth” project. My goal? To empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become climate champions in their communities. With the support of school management and climate experts, we’re equipping students with education, training, and advocacy skills to drive real change.
In my community, there are many individuals who are not only uneducated but also unaware of environmental issues. This lack of knowledge makes them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. I believe that education is essential, and I am working to promote it to foster a better community. By empowering people with knowledge, I hope to inspire positive change and create a more sustainable future for everyone.
My passion for environmental conservation and climate action began last year when I witnessed the devastating effects of climate change in my community. Seeing the difficulties my community faced…such as walking long distances to collect water and struggling to find food was a wake-up call for me.
I realized that climate change was not a distant issue; it was a harsh reality affecting people’s lives. One experience that continues to move me is that of my aunt, a single mother raising three children. She ran a baking business that provided for her family, but after the drought and frequent power outages, she struggled to make ends meet. Witnessing her struggles and those of others in the community brought me to tears.
This experience made me understand that my community was suffering due to a lack of knowledge and awareness about climate change. It ignited a fire within me to take action. I began by educating myself about climate change, its causes, and its effects.
I then started advocating for climate action in my school and community, rallying my peers to join me in making a difference. As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that climate change is a ticking clock, and every second counts. I believe that sharing our stories and experiences is crucial for inspiring collective action and driving meaningful change.
By Valencia
IG: Valen_ciadiba @ClimatePresident
TikTok: Valencia_kan
