On June 5, 2025, in the heart of Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, young students stepped up for the planet. To mark World Environment Day, Youth Ambassadors for Climate Justice (YACJ) — with Youth Conservation as educational partner — led a large-scale school campaign under the theme:
“Between Childhood and the Environment: An Alliance for Tomorrow.”
🌱 Environmental Education from an Early Age: A Powerful Tool
Firm believers that change starts with the youth, YACJ educators visited three primary schools in Butembo — Tsaka Tsaka, Butembo Cité, and Marter Excesia — to plant the seeds of environmental awareness. Through engaging and participatory workshops, more than 5,000 pupils learned about waste management, preserving green spaces, and the vital role they can play in fighting climate change.
The rallying cry of the day?
“An eco-friendly pupil is a hero for tomorrow.”
— a message that clearly resonated with the students and teachers alike.
🌳 From Awareness to Action: Tree Planting and Green Clubs
This was more than just a learning moment — it was also a moment of action. A total of 100 trees were planted across the schoolyards, symbolizing a greener future. Even more impactful, three “Green Schools” clubs were officially launched, with over 100 voluntary student members eager to take environmental leadership within their school communities.
The initiative also reached educators, as 50 teachers received training and tools to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into their classrooms.
⚠️ Challenges Persist, but Motivation Runs High
Despite its success, the campaign faced real-world constraints: limited materials, insufficient funding, and logistical gaps. Sustaining and expanding the Green Clubs will require stronger support. Yet the passion of students and staff suggests this is only the beginning.
🌍 A Shared Vision with Youth Conservation
This activity is part of YACJ’s ongoing “Green Children” project, currently active in Butembo, Goma, and Bukavu. For Youth Conservation, this collaboration perfectly aligns with our vision:
empowering the next generation to become agents of environmental change in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Because the fight for nature doesn’t begin in distant national parks — it starts in classrooms, playgrounds, and the imaginations of children. And in Butembo, that fight is well underway.
You can contact the NGO Youth Ambassadors for Climate Justice by email at yacjustice@gmail.com and/or through their Facebook page.
