By Ibrahim S. Bangura
FREETOWN — A two-day workshop designed to empower young Sierra Leoneans as climate and environmental advocates kicked off on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Charlotte Street in Freetown. Hosted by Media Initiatives for Climate Change and the Environment in collaboration with the Freetown City Council, the training aims to equip participants with tools and strategies to address the mounting impacts of climate change.
Held under the theme “Understanding and Developing Adaptation Strategies for the Effects of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation in Communities,” the initiative forms part of the InformAction Innovation and Projects Challenge.
Delivering the keynote address, founder Martha Kargbo described climate change as a multidimensional crisis. “This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a social, economic, and ethical challenge that threatens every aspect of our lives,” she said, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to the effects of global warming, including extreme heat, erratic rainfall, and biodiversity loss.
Kargbo urged the youth to take up leadership roles in climate advocacy, pointing out that their energy and passion make them essential actors in building resilience and sustainable solutions. “The sun wasn’t always this hot. The rain wasn’t always this destructive. The changes are real—and they require informed, courageous action,” she stressed.
Participants were introduced to key topics such as environmental degradation, climate change fundamentals, relevant environmental policies, and the responsibilities of youth as community-based climate ambassadors. The workshop also featured site visits to vulnerable communities in both the East and West End of Freetown, practical sessions on public sensitization, and lessons in digital advocacy.
At the end of the training, attendees will receive certificates recognizing them as Climate and Environment Ambassadors, following a final roundtable discussion with Freetown City Council officials.
“This is just the beginning,” Kargbo said. “The participants will continue receiving educational materials and participate in future awareness campaigns. We’re building a movement, not just hosting a workshop.”
Participants shared glowing feedback. “It was an eye-opener,” said Pascal Cocker. “We learned how deforestation and plastic pollution are eroding our communities. It’s not just about listening—it’s about taking action.”
Another attendee, Isha Ramatu Sanu, voiced her commitment to sharing lessons from the workshop in her neighborhood, particularly around waste disposal and flooding prevention. “We need to be serious about reforestation and disaster preparedness,” she urged.
Facilitator Henry Bayoh encouraged continued collaboration, emphasizing the need for long-term engagement, policy reform, and stronger environmental stewardship. “This is how we prepare for the future—by building a network of informed citizens committed to change,” he concluded.