Written by: Admin_SheEvo
My name is Valencia, and I’m from Lusaka. I worked on the “Reduce Waste in Schools” project, and I’m pleased to share that I successfully reduced waste at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School. I accomplished this by labeling all the bins according to what should be thrown in each one. We also partnered with a waste management organization to pick up bottles every Friday for recycling.
To further reduce plastic use, I advocated for cotton bags as an alternative to plastic bags, and we created tote bags for larger items.
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. In 2024, my family faced challenges that led us to change our way of living, which ultimately forced us to move to a shanty community.
It was in this new environment that I witnessed the effects of drought firsthand. Although I had some knowledge about climate change at the time, I had chosen to ignore its real implications. 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
Instagram: Valen_ciadiba
