SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria (SOSCVN) has launched the second phase of its Eco Champions Project aimed at empowering youth to lead climate action efforts that are inclusive and gender-responsive. This recent phase was announced during the close-out ceremony for Phase I held in Abuja.
Country Director Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse emphasized the impact of youth-led initiatives from the first phase. “We saw young leaders with bold ideas and practical solutions,” he noted. This earlier phase successfully engaged communities and demonstrated that climate action is a grassroots endeavor, emphasizing that solutions originate from local areas where families live, work, and play.
Mr. Erhumwunse explained that the new phase, titled “Empowering Youth for Gender-Responsive Climate Action,” will focus on enhancing community responses and ensuring youth, particularly women, are involved in environmental decision-making. He highlighted that climate change is not just an environmental concern—it’s a human one that affects many aspects of life, from livelihoods to health.
Research supports this focus on youth. A recent survey by the Global Youth Climate Network found that 85% of young people see themselves as critical players in climate advocacy. By empowering this demographic, organizations can foster innovative solutions and meaningful change.
Experts echoed this sentiment. Dr. Helen Idiong from Plan International noted that funding youth-led initiatives can propel sustainable community changes. She highlighted the connection between youth activism and girls’ rights, showcasing the broader social benefits of engaging young people in climate actions.
The first phase of the Eco Champions Project touched 18 million lives through educational initiatives and community outreach. This encouraged many young people to step into climate advocacy roles. Advocates, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and environmental leaders, alongside Lagos Environment Commissioner Tokunboh Wahab, underscored the necessity of integrating environmental awareness into daily life.
Outgoing Eco Champion representative Miss Hannah Omokhaye shared exciting outcomes from the first phase, revealing that over 100 teachers were trained to inspire students about career paths related to climate action.
Overall, the SOSCVN’s initiative highlights the vital role of youth in shaping future climate policies. Collective action, rather than policies alone, holds the key to sustainable environmental practices that can benefit generations to come.
For more about climate action, you can explore resources from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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climate action,Eco Champions Project,Gender responsiveness,SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria (SOSCVN)
