Location: UGANDA
Beneficiaries: 13-18 yrs old
The Project
The Pollination Project funded Mbabazi Edrine and her project “Young people’s Eco-conscious Actions for Environmental Sustainability” in 2023.
Designed to foster environmental leadership among 30 young people aged 13-18 in Karugutu Town Council, Ntoroko District, Western Uganda, this project addresses pressing environmental challenges through comprehensive education and action. The initiative equips participants with essential knowledge and skills through workshops, seminars, field trips, and hands-on projects.
At its core, the project cultivates environmental empathy and promotes a deeper understanding of ecological systems. By focusing on the interconnection between human activities and environmental impact, the program has successfully developed a cohort of passionate, eco-conscious leaders who are now actively engaged in promoting sustainable practices within their communities.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The Pollination Project’s support has catalyzed significant environmental action and community engagement. Their funding facilitated three intensive workshops that educated 30 young people on critical environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource management. The project’s ripple effect has been substantial, with each participant reaching out to two additional youths, expanding the impact to 60 more young people in the project area.
The seed grant’s impact is evident in the tangible environmental initiatives implemented:
- Planting of 250 bamboo trees and 500 pine trees
- Launch of the innovative “Bring a Tree of Your Choice” initiative
- Organization of five “Clean My Town” waste management drives in Karugutu Town
Implementation of two biodiversity conservation programs - The grant enabled two transformative field trips to Semliki National Park and Rwenzori Forest Reserve, providing participants with firsthand experience in conservation efforts.
- Additionally, five seminars and advocacy campaigns were conducted across three parishes, where young leaders took center stage in promoting environmental sustainability.
A testament to the project’s success is the independent initiative taken by five beneficiaries who launched their own community-led waste management project in Karugutu Ward – Karugutu Town Council, demonstrating the sustainable impact of the Pollination Project’s investment in youth leadership.
Working on this project with support from TPP has been transformative, not only for the young participants but for the entire community. It has been incredible to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of the youth as they embraced environmental leadership, taking ownership of their roles as change-makers with their active participation in hands-on projects like tree planting, waste management and conservation programs has fostered a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.
The Future
Building on the foundation established through the Pollination Project’s support, the initiative has set ambitious goals for continued growth. The project plans to expand its tree-planting efforts with 1,000 additional trees, emphasizing native species to enhance local biodiversity. The successful “Clean My Town” waste management drives will extend to new areas, complemented by focused conservation projects targeting endangered species and ecosystems.
To ensure long-term sustainability, a mentorship program will be established, allowing current participants to guide and inspire future environmental leaders. The project team is actively seeking additional funding opportunities and developing community-led fundraising initiatives to build upon the initial success enabled by the Pollination Project’s seed grant.
This strategic investment in youth environmental leadership demonstrates how seed funding can catalyze meaningful change, creating a lasting impact on both community development and environmental conservation in Western Uganda.
Mbabazi Edrine
Mbabazi Edrine is a Ugandan environmentalist and mother of two from Kisina, Ntoroko district. Growing up in a family of eight children, she developed a deep connection to environmental stewardship through her father’s guidance. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in environmental rehabilitation and conservation, she channels her expertise into inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. In December 2021, Edrine launched the “Inspiring Eco-conscious Environmental Sustainability Action Campaign,” engaging young people through interactive workshops, seminars, and field projects. Her work bridges traditional environmental wisdom with modern conservation practices, fostering youth leadership in her community’s sustainable development.
