Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary……………………………3
2. Introduction………………………………………3
1. Background…………………………………3
2. Objectives………………………3
3. Event Activities and Highlights………………………………....4
1. Opening ceremony and Icebreakers…………………..4
2. THINK GREEN Documentary screening……………4
3. Panel discussions: Youth in Leadership………4
4. Climate Fresk Workshop…………………………..5
5. Group sharing circles………………………………..5
6. Certificates and Awards……………………………….5
7. Closing ceremony and Group photo………………5
4. Outcomes and Impact………………………………….…6
1. Youth Empowerment and Confidence……….6
2. Increased Environmental knowledge and Leadership……6
3. Strengthen Network and Collaboration………………………..6
4. New Ideas and Initiatives sparked………………………………6
5. Participants Voice……………………………………………….…6
6. Future plans………………………………………………………………………………………..7
1. Expansion of Environmental education Program…………………………….7
2. Youth-led community projects………………………………………………………7
3. Monthly Youth hangouts in partnership with Global Platforms………..7
4. Digital Visibility & Youth Storytelling……………………………………………7
5. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships……………………………………………7
7. Recommendations…………………………………………………8
8. Acknowledgement……………………………………….8
9. Conclusion……………………………………………………..8
1.Executive Summary
The THINK GREEN ECOLEADERS RISE 2025 event was a landmark gathering organized to recognize and elevate young environmental leaders who have progressed from students to changemakers. This report outlines the structure, activities, outcomes, and impact of the event, which provided a transformative platform for 40 youths to share experiences, amplify their environmental advocacy, and strengthen collaborative networks.
2. Introduction
2.1 Background
THINK GREEN is a youth-led environmental initiative based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, dedicated to grassroots climate action, education, and sustainable development. Since its inception, it has reached over 2,500 individuals through school clubs, outreach programs, and its signature December Festival.
The ECOLEADERS RISE event was inspired by the transformation of the first cohort of students enrolled in THINK GREEN’s Environmental Education Program (launched in 2022), who have now completed their A-level education and are stepping into leadership.
2.2
Objectives
● To celebrate the journey and achievements of THINK GREEN’s first education cohort.
● To create a space for youth-led environmental storytelling and innovation.
● To inspire continued youth action in environmental protection and climate justice.
● To build meaningful connections among young leaders, educators, and supporters.
● To recognize outstanding contributions with certificates and awards.
3. Event Activities and Highlights
3.1 Opening ceremony and Icebreakers
Facilitated by THINK GREEN and Global Platforms, the day began with introductions, energizers, for the attendees to know each other.
3.2 THINK GREEN Documentary screening
A compelling visual narrative showing the journey, impact, and transformation of youth leaders through THINK GREEN’s education and outreach programs.
3.3 Panel discussions: Youth in Leadership
Alumni of the program shared inspiring testimonies on how climate education reshaped their goals, voices, and community roles.
3.4 Climate Fresk Workshop
Led by Mr. Julien, Ilakiza Jackson and Vikiemi, this interactive session helped participants map and understand the systemic of climate change and explore collaborative solutions.
4. Outcomes and Impacts
4.1 Youth Empowerment and Confidence
Participants reported feeling more confident in speaking publicly, leading projects, and mentoring peers.
4.2 Increased Environmental knowledge and Leadership
Workshops and peer-to-peer learning enhanced understanding of sustainability, climate science, and civic leadership.
4.3 Strengthen Networks and Collaboration
The event created a platform for new eco-partnerships, mentorships, and club-to-club collaborations.
4.3 New ideas and Initiatives sparked
Several participants committed to launching eco-projects in their schools, ranging from composting to environmental art, poetry, and advocacy.
5. Participants Voice
“On 20th June I attended the climate fresk workshop at Global Platform Tanzania. So I hereby personally pass my heartfelt thanks to the facilitators who led the climate fresk workshop as it created positive waves. It made me aware of so many issues concerning climate change. It made me a real changemaker. In summary I learnt: Awareness+Actions=Real changes.” Happiness Edimound, Student leader at Dar es Salaam Girls sec. school
“Through THINK GREEN, we’re not just growing trees, we’re growing future leaders for Tanzania and the planet.” Ilapfasha Jackson, THINK GREEN Member
It was an incredible honor to serve as a panelist at the Think Green Ecoleaders Rise 2025 event. I had the chance to engage with young people and present on a variety of topics, including Science, Technology, Innovation, Creativity, STEM, Vision, Dreams, Leadership, and Spiritual Values. The discussions appeared to greatly inspire the youth in attendance, many of whom showed a strong commitment to contributing to sustainable development in Tanzania, across Africa, and Globally. Innocent Richard Simon, Member of Parliament and Tanzanian Students' Representative at the African Union Students' Platform (AUSP)
6. Future Plans
Following the success of THINK GREEN ECOLEADERS RISE 2025, several strategic steps are planned to sustain the momentum and deepen the impact of youth-led environmental action:
6.1 Expansion of the Environmental Education Program
THINK GREEN aims to launch a new cycle of the program, reaching more secondary and A-Level students across Dar es Salaam and beyond. The updated curriculum will emphasize climate leadership, local sustainability challenges, and youth innovation.
6.2 Youth-Led Community Projects
Alumni will be supported with continuous capacity building and mentorship to start or scale any projects either on waste management systems, school gardens, and climate awareness campaigns
6.3 Monthly Youth Hangouts in Partnership with Global Platforms
A key future activity includes a continuous partnership with Global Platforms to host monthly youth hangouts. These sessions will focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and peer mentoring. The hangouts will serve as safe spaces for youth to explore leadership, public speaking, eco-entrepreneurship, environmental policy, and creative advocacy tools.
6.4 Digital Visibility and Youth Storytelling
A digital platform will be developed to highlight youth stories, showcase environmental initiatives, and promote creative media such as articles, poetry, podcasts, and videos produced by young changemakers.
6.5 Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
THINK GREEN will engage local schools, environmental agencies, and national stakeholders to co-design programs that amplify youth voices in climate discourse and decision-making.
7. Recommendations
To further build on the outcomes of the ECOLEADERS RISE 2025 event, the following recommendations are proposed:
For Educational Institutions
● Integrate environmental education and hands-on sustainability activities into the school curriculum.
● Support the formation and growth of student-led environmental clubs.
For Youth Organizations
● Facilitate leadership and innovation training programs that equip youth with the tools to address real-world environmental issues.
● Encourage cross-club collaborations and shared learning platforms.
For Donors and Partners
● Provide long-term support for youth-led environmental initiatives, with a focus on mentorship, resources, and visibility.
● Support platforms that enable youth to access national and international climate forums.
For Government Stakeholders
● Create avenues for youth to meaningfully participate in the design and implementation of environmental policies and climate action strategies.
● Recognize and institutionalize youth contributions in national environmental frameworks.
For THINK GREEN Members and Alumni
● Stay actively involved in environmental awareness, advocacy, and action.
● Continue mentoring new members and lead by example in both schools and communities.
● Embrace innovation, collaboration, and perseverance as tools for driving sustainable change.