Birndze Bete Dzekewong

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

To engage young people in environmental education and bridge the gap between climate knowledge and action, I started a youth-led climate initiative known as Green Space Academy. Through Green Space Academy, I provide training on youth green skills. I design and implement workshops, green hackathons, and youth climate accelerator programs that transform grassroots youth into climate activists and innovators who turn their eco-anxiety and experiences into sustainable climate initiatives and advocacy.

I have initiated programs under Green Space Academy, such as the Youth Climate Village, which my team and I are currently developing into a self-sustaining one-stop climate center for young people. This center focuses on engaging youth in climate leadership retreats, climate boot camps, and eco-tours, where they can gain hands-on experience and learn from their peers.

Additionally, I lead research to develop practical tools and frameworks for meaningful youth engagement in climate action negotiation and implementation processes by testing our concepts through “improbable” youth climate negotiation workshops.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

Since 2014, I have engaged in several environmental education projects and have been instrumental in designing and implementing community conservation and water management programs for local communities in Cameroon, as well as training young people on permaculture and climate-smart agricultural practices. In 2019, I launched the Africa Heroes Climate Ambassador Program, which saw over 500 participants from more than 47 African countries. However, the project did not achieve all its objectives, as we did not have enough funds and necessary support for it.

In 2021, I realized the continued absence of young people—especially those from the Global South—from the global climate negotiations platform and the significant gap between climate knowledge and action among young people. I founded the Youth Connect Innovation Lab to bridge this gap and provide a platform to amplify youth voices. Over the years, we have changed our approach from teaching to climate coaching and do-it-yourself (DIY) activities, which we have found to be most effective for young people. I am looking forward to growing Green Space Academy into the leading youth climate education and resource hub for young people across Africa. 

How can people learn more about or support your work?

Visit www.greenspaceacedmy.com for my work related to environmental education.

Visit www.yocilab.com for my work related to grassroots youth innovation in communities.

A Little More About Me

What makes you most excited to be an EE30U30 awardee?

With my passion for growing Green Space Academy to be the leading youth environmental education platform and opportunity hub for young people across Africa, I am excited to be part of this prestigious community and network that values and supports my work. I look forward to connecting, building strategic partnerships, and co-creating solutions with the EE 30 Under 30 network. I strongly believe that with the support of the NAAEE and the EE 30 Under 30 community, I can achieve remarkable success, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the community. 

Do you prefer sunrise, sunset, midday, or midnight?

Sunrise. Sunrise brings hope and opportunities. 

If a genie granted you one wish, what would it be?

Resources and wisdom to create opportunities for youth in underserved communities.