By Denis Katana Karisa (YES 2018-2019, Kenya, placed by AYA/AIFS in Lincoln, NE)

I am Denis, a second-year student at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), majoring in information systems and technology. Recently, I led an impactful initiative to promote environmental sustainability among young students. As a YES program alumnus, I leveraged the leadership and community service skills I gained during my exchange experience to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards in Kenya.

Supported by a YES Alumni Grant, the Nairobi Eco Youth project trained 60 children, ages nine to 13, from the Kasarani neighborhood of Nairobi on effective waste management practices. This two-day training, held in September 2024, was facilitatedby Dr. Joyce Muchemi, an environmental scientist, and Imani Naitore, Chair of the Environmental Society Club (ENSO) at USIU-Africa. The program was carefully designed to equip young participants with practical skills in waste management, recycling, and environmental responsibility. By empowering them to adopt sustainable practices, the initiative aims to inspire a cleaner, greener future for the community.

The sessions featured engaging, hands-on activities such as interactive storytelling, do-it-yourself craft workshops using recycled materials, and eco-themed games, all designed to make learning both educational and enjoyable.

As part of the initiative, participating schools were provided with sorting bins, which were donated by One Love Project Kenya. These bins serve as essential tools for effective waste separation and management, reinforcing the training and encouraging schools to implement sustainable practices in a practical, lasting way.

The training concluded with the students participating in Freida Brown Day, an annual community service event at USIU-Africa, honoring the legacy of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Freida Brown. During the event, the students applied their newly acquired waste management skills in a real-world setting, reinforcing the bond between USIU-Africa and the Kasarani neighborhood community.

As Chair of the Electoral College representing the School of Science and Technology at USIU-Africa, I am committed to leveraging my leadership roles to advocate for meaningful change. Additionally, as the president of One Love Project Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, I continue to champion the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by leading projects that foster community collaboration and promote long-term environmental solutions.

An exciting outcome of the Nairobi Eco Youth project is the establishment of environmental clubs in each participating school. These clubs will provide students with ongoing opportunities to enhance their environmental education, participate in community projects, and promote sustainable practices within their schools and neighborhoods.

Looking ahead, I plan to expand this initiative to include more schools and communities across Nairobi, fostering a broader movement toward responsible waste management in Kenya. By engaging the younger generation and investing in ecological education, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable environment, both locally and globally.

This initiative is a testament to the power of youth leadership in driving sustainable development. It not only educated children on critical environmental issues but also deepened community engagement, inspiring participants and residents to work toward a more sustainable future.

I would like to express my gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, for sponsoring the YES program. Their support has made this transformative project possible.