From One School to a Movement: How Young Climate Champions Are Rising in Imo State and Why the World Should Pay Attention.

Forward Africa Initiatives, in partnership with Airy Plastic Recycling and with the approval of the Imo State Ministry of Education, officially inaugurated the Eco Vanguard School Club at Government Secondary School Owerri.

This was more than an inauguration — it was the birth of a youth-led climate movement at a time when plastic pollution and climate impacts are escalating, this initiative harnesses Nigeria’s greatest asset — its youth. 

The Eco Vanguard model promotes climate education, recycling, and sustainable behavior while advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) through a scalable, school-based approach.

The newly inducted Eco Champions are already taking action by keeping their school clean, leading plastic recycling efforts, educating peers on climate change, and advocating for environmental responsibility. 

Climate action has become personal, practical, and powerful in their hands.

Government Secondary School Owerri is just the beginning.

Our goal is bold but achievable:

👉 Establish Eco Vanguard School Clubs in 10 secondary schools across Imo State before the end of 2026.

To make this possible, we are calling for strategic partnerships to support:

• Waste bins and recycling bins

• Plastic collection and sorting systems

• Climate education tools and training

• Youth-led environmental campaigns

• School-based recycling programs

We invite collaboration from climate-focused funders and partners including The Coca-Cola Foundation, ActionAid, UNICEF, UNDP, Ford Foundation, and Global Greengrants Fund.

By partnering with us, you invest in youth empowerment, climate resilience, and sustainable communities.

🌍 Climate leadership starts in classrooms.

♻ Support youth-led recycling

🌱 Fund climate education

🤝 Help us scale Eco Vanguard Clubs across Imo State by 2026

 For enquiries and partner call: 0703 930 6501and email: fordafrica@yahoo.co.uk