Teens Lead the Charge for Climate Justice at Kayapalat’s SHIFTeen Workshop
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In an inspiring initiative to empower young minds, Kayapalat, in collaboration with Save The Children and SHIFT, successfully organized the SHIFTeen Workshop. Held in partnership with RRPK at Balara, Sarlahi, the workshop aimed to foster environmental awareness and action among the local youth, particularly members of the Chetana Child Club. This dynamic event encouraged teens to cultivate innovative ideas and deepen their understanding of environmental sustainability, with a special focus on combating single-use plastics.
The SHIFTeen Workshop served as a platform for young participants to explore climate justice concepts, engage in creative brainstorming, and develop proactive plans to tackle pressing environmental challenges within their community. The highlight of the event was the launch of “Taraju: Looking for Climate Justice,” a youth-led campaign developed by the participants themselves. Recognizing the need for collective action, this campaign emphasizes reducing plastic pollution and building sustainable practices starting at the grassroots level.
The teens engaged in meaningful dialogues about the harmful impacts of single-use plastics and the urgent need to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. As a core activity, they organized an awareness campaign targeting their local community, where they interacted directly with residents to convey the detrimental effects of plastic waste on the environment. The workshop underscored the power of collective responsibility, emphasizing that even small, individual changes can contribute to significant environmental impact.
The participants did not stop at raising awareness. Driven by the goal to create a tangible impact, they formulated a practical action plan to transform their own school into a model for environmental stewardship. The objective of this initiative is to make their school a “single-use plastic-free zone.” By fostering a sustainable environment within their school, they aim to inspire other educational institutions in the region to follow suit. The teens developed strategies for managing waste, encouraging reusable alternatives, and implementing regular plastic-free checks to maintain their commitment.
Organizers from Kayapalat, along with mentors from Save The Children and SHIFT, provided invaluable guidance, helping the youth structure their ideas into actionable plans. They underscored the workshop’s role in empowering young people to be proactive environmental stewards and amplifying their voices within the larger climate justice movement. Through this support, participants gained both the knowledge and confidence to bring about real change.
The success of the SHIFTeen Workshop exemplifies the potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing climate challenges. By educating and empowering young people, Kayapalat and its partners are building a future where local communities are actively involved in environmental conservation, marking a hopeful shift toward sustainable practices.