Abel Kamfwa became aware of his nation’s changing environment, and the effects of climate change while he was a university student. Together with some friends he founded Green Generation, mobilising youth to create awareness and take action. His organisation has grown from its base in Lusaka to link with others, now boasting members from around the country. And he has received great support from the African Forest Forum. While his volunteers plant trees, clean up plastic waste and assist those affected by global warming, Abel has kept busy spreading the word.
He has spoken at several educational institutions, including the Christian College of Applied Sciences. There, his address was assisted by knowledge coming from his engagement in workshops sponsored by AFF. “So we take time as the Green Generation, to educate the people to educate them on the effects, early warning systems so that people are aware of these impacts and also contribute… Whenever I see this is a meeting for the African Forest Forum, I want to come, because this is where my energy is. It’s like a generator for me. When I come here, I feel impacted.”
While Abel’s activism has motivated many other youths to join him, there is one particular group that has participated with extra fervour. Zambia’s battle with climate change is different from many arid regions. Torrential rains cause massive flooding. Persons with disabilities, like Andries Haadebe, who is confined to a wheelchair, struggle in such conditions. “It becomes a challenge when it floods. You find that most of these areas are flooded with mud and water everywhere. Mobility becomes a challenge. Not only for me, but for my other friends, especially those who use crutches.”
Andries started his own organisation, Rising Above Disabilities, whose members vary from the deaf and blind, to those with physical difficulties and even albinism. Abel got him involved in taking AFF information and applying it to his group’s efforts. They are targeting public policymakers to drive real change.
Abel recently attended another African Forest Forum workshop in Nairobi. He was probably the youngest delegate there. But he sees the AFF reaching youth from across the continent. “I would really love to have connections, people that I can interact with, people that have more knowledge, people that have done this before, in different countries, youths, and that is why I also want to attend the workshop this year. I would really love to know where I can maybe interact with people even outside Africa, people that can also help our organisation grow to a certain level, people that can improve on the work that we are doing.”
With coaching from AFF, Abel has increased his organisation’s impact on policy making, forest protection and restoring degraded forests. Green Generation wants to mobilise a million youth in Zambia to fight for forests and other environmental issues. They are participating in events like Action to Awareness 2023, a global on-line forum being held by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy. He wants the Green Generation to not only spur change in Zambia, but also across the continent.