Shaping a new generation of environmental champions

A new initiative, the Youth Environmental Reporters and Advocates (YERA) programme, is set to empower young South Africans to investigate, document, and communicate environmental issues in their communities.

Led by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) South Africa and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, the programme aims to build climate literacy and environmental knowledge among pupils. It also seeks to enhance their communication and reporting skills on local environmental issues.

Saron Gidiso, a Grade 10 pupil at Marklands Secondary in Chatsworth, said she was excited to raise awareness.

“I am excited to learn how to raise my voice to create more awareness about the pressing environmental issues in our school and community,” said Gidiso.

Imithle Mkhize, another Grade 10 pupil from Glenhaven Secondary in Tongaat, highlighted the urgency of taking action.

“If we don’t speak about it as the youth, then who will? These are things that affect us in our daily lives. We see it. We might turn our heads when we see a piece of paper and ignore it, but it affects us in the long run,” she said.

The YERA programme will be implemented over the next eight months across four provinces—KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape—targeting 40 schools and involving 400 young reporters.

“The YERA programme embodies our commitment to environmental and social justice,” said Cindy Cloete, WESSA CEO. “By empowering young people, we are shaping a new generation of environmental champions who will lead the fight against climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions. We are thrilled to partner with UNICEF on this critical initiative and look forward to its transformative impact.”

A recent UNICEF South Africa report titled “Climate, Energy, and Environment Landscape Analysis for Children in South Africa”, highlighted the need for greater visibility of young people in the climate and environment agenda to ensure policies and actions address their specific needs. “Empowering learners and young people, particularly girls, through education and nurturing their skills will build on their local knowledge to help raise their voices and strengthen action on local climate and environmental challenges,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative.

The YERA programme will provide training in investigative journalism, environmental science, and advocacy skills. The workshops will use WESSA’s Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) methodology. One key output will be journalistic works produced by participating schools for distribution across various media platforms.

“This programme is an important step forward in further nurturing environmental awareness among learners in South Africa and we hope the programme can be expanded in the coming months and years to benefit more South African schools,” said Lazi Mtwa, acting Chief Education Specialist, KZN Department of Basic Education.

The programme is funded by UNICEF Canada National Committee.