How a new partnership is creating opportunities for young people to lead climate action in Nairobi
“Young people don’t just need another climate workshop. They need opportunities to build the future they want to see.”
Across Africa, young people are living with some of the world’s biggest challenges every day. Climate change, pollution, food insecurity and unemployment are increasingly part of their reality. But they are not letting these challenges deter them. They are developing ideas, mobilising their communities and demanding a more just and sustainable future.
Greenpeace Africa has invested in youth leadership through the volunteer program, campaigns and movement building for over a decade. In the last four years, the Planet One program strengthened this journey by creating spaces where thousands of young people could learn, collaborate and take action together. Along the way, we discovered something, “Awareness is only the beginning”. Young people understand the climate crisis. They have attended workshops, participated in campaigns and joined community events, yet after the training ends, many are left asking the same question:”What next?”
Without access to creative spaces, mentorship, practical skills and supportive networks, a lot of great ideas never move beyond the discussion stage. The gap between inspiration/discussions and action is exactly what the Ubunifu Hub Youth Program wants to change.
Building on the success and lessons of Planet One, the Ubunifu Hub Youth Program will expand opportunities for young people aged 15-35 by providing a safe and inclusive makerspace where they can develop practical skills, collaborate with peers, access mentorship and transform ideas into initiatives that strengthen both their communities and the environment.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The launch of this project is an important milestone for Greenpeace Africa. We are delighted that this work is being made possible through the generous support of Umweltstiftung Greenpeace (Greenpeace Environmental Foundation), whose investment reflects a shared belief that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but are already leading change today.
This partnership enables us to strengthen and expand a model that has already demonstrated its impact while reaching even more young people across Nairobi over the coming three years. We are deeply grateful for their confidence in our vision and for investing in the creativity, leadership and potential of Africa’s young people.
More Than a Makerspace
The word Ubunifu means innovation and it is not only about technology, but about creating opportunities for young people to solve real problems facing their communities. The Program combines climate education with practical action through a unique model that includes:
- A creative makerspace where young people can meet, collaborate and innovate
- Structured Learning Series covering climate justice, advocacy, innovation, entrepreneurship and proposal writing
- A mentorship from experienced people and partner organisations
- The Climate Whispers podcast, giving young people a platform to share their stories and ideas.
- Urban farming demonstration plots and practical sustainability projects
- Learning visits that expose participants to real-world climate solutions
- Opportunities to engage decision-makers and influence conversations on climate and sustainability.
Rather than offering one-off events, the project will create a continuous journey where young people can grow, lead and build lasting impact.
Putting Young People at the Centre
One lesson from Planet One was that young people are not all starting from the same place. Some are
students looking to deepen their understanding of climate justice, others are unemployed searching for livelihood opportunities, some are young mothers balancing family responsibilities, others are already
leading community organisations but need stronger networks and technical support. The Ubunifu Hub Youth Program has been designed to meet young people where they are, providing different pathways for learning, leadership and innovation while ensuring that underserved communities are intentionally included.
An Invitation
The Ubunifu Hub Youth Project belongs to every young person who believes they can make a difference. Whether you are a student, artist, innovator, activist, entrepreneur, volunteer or simply someone who wants to contribute to a more sustainable future, there is a place for you at Ubunifu Hub. We also invite youth groups, community organisations, educational institutions, partners and supporters to join us on this journey. Because meaningful change happens when people come together.
As we launch this exciting new chapter, we thank Umweltstiftung Greenpeace (Greenpeace Environmental Foundation) for making this vision possible and for standing with Greenpeace Africa in supporting the next generation of climate leaders.
Together, we are doing more than launching a project: we are creating a space where young people can build the future they want to live in.
Welcome to Ubunifu Hub.
The Ubunifu Hub Youth Program is proudly supported by Umweltstiftung Greenpeace (Greenpeace Environmental Foundation)
By Rose Muganda.
Community Manager-Ubunifu Hub, Nairobi Kenya.
