Location: COLOMBIA
Beneficiaries: youth between 12 and 30 years old and their families
The Project
“Green Earth / Green House” is transforming communities across Cali, Colombia through youth-driven environmental action and peacebuilding. Led by Crhistian Camilo Villa Velasco, the project has established a dynamic community of young changemakers who are reshaping their city’s relationship with nature while fostering peace in an environment challenged by violence.
Through a unique blend of Colombian culture—incorporating music, dance, and the city’s characteristic joy—participants transform from learners into community leaders, spearheading urban interventions and environmental rehabilitation projects across Cali’s neighborhoods. The project brings together youth between 12 and 30 years old and their families, empowering them to become environmental leaders in their communities.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
With support from The Pollination Project, the initiative has achieved significant results within just nine months. The project has directly engaged 170 young people and indirectly involved 75 more in comprehensive environmental education and action programs. These young leaders have revitalized their communities by artistically transforming 100 square meters of public space and supporting over 400 square meters of urban gardens.
The project’s impact extends far beyond its immediate participants. Through community mobilization and local partnerships, the initiative has leveraged an additional $3,000 in resources and in-kind contributions. The project has conducted 90 training workshops and 12 specialized sessions focused on vocational guidance and promoting environmental stewardship, reaching more than 800 indirect beneficiaries through various community activities.
A highlight of the project includes a young participant’s work being selected for exhibition at COP16, featuring their “Fantastic Beings, Enchanted Rivers” illustrated collection. This international recognition demonstrates the project’s success in nurturing both environmental consciousness and creative expression among its participants.
The initiative’s influence has spread beyond Cali, establishing valuable partnerships with institutions in three additional cities within the Valle del Cauca department: Tuluá, Riofrío, and Zarzal. Within Cali itself, the project has made significant inroads in seven neighborhoods and six educational institutions, creating a network of environmental awareness and action.
What started as a local environmental initiative has evolved into a movement that demonstrates the power of youth leadership in addressing environmental challenges while building peaceful communities. As “Green Earth / Green House” looks toward 2025, it stands as a testament to how grassroots environmental action can create lasting positive change, even in challenging urban environments.
The project’s success in mobilizing young people and their communities around environmental causes while promoting peace and well-being exemplifies The Pollination Project’s mission of supporting innovative, community-driven initiatives that create positive change from the ground up.
We strongly believe that people can transform their environment. This belief inspires our project. We want to inspire and empower underprivileged teens who have limited chances for training in managing natural resources and engaging with their community.
Christian Camilo Villa Velasco
Christian Camilo Villa Velasco is a Afro-Colombian changemaker from southern Colombia whose roots deeply influence his community work. Raised by his maternal family, particularly his grandparents who were peasant farmers, and his mother Anyela, he learned early lessons about perseverance and determination. His mother worked for 30 years to provide him with education and opportunities, instilling in him the importance of joy and resilience in pursuing one’s goals.
The values of service and care for all forms of life were nurtured by his extended family, shaping his commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. Villa Velasco finds joy in serving others, has a passion for salsa music, and advocates for harmonious living. His thoughtful approach to community development embodies what he calls “the end of eagerness” – a philosophy that emphasizes mindful, sustainable progress over hasty action.
