Catching Them Young: How One Foundation Is Raising a New Generation of Environmental Stewards

A foundation in Ghana has taken the first step in what it conceives as a long-term investment in youth-led climate action.

The Ayeyi Impact Foundation, through the AYEYI Climate Leadership Summit 2026, recently equipped 46 student leaders with the practical tools they need to respond to climate change and environmental challenges within their schools and communities.

The summit, which held under the theme “Empowering Young Climate Leaders for Sustainable Communities and Environmental Action”, saw the student leaders participate in an intensive climate leadership training designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become champions of environmental sustainability.

Experts in environmental health, climate change, and youth leadership educated the young student leaders on the causes and effects of climate change, sustainable environmental practices, sanitation, and the critical role young people can play in protecting the environment.

Following the successful completion of the summit on July 18, the student leaders, taken from Kpassa High Technical School in Ghana’s Oti Region, were inaugurated as Ayeyi Climate Ambassadors.

Three Sessions, One Goal

The summit featured three presentations targeted toward achieving the same goal.

Speaking on “Environmental Health, Sanitation, and Waste Management”, District Environmental Health Officer for Nkwanta North District, Nsoh Kojo, explained that improper waste disposal creates breeding ground for disease-causing organisms. Kojo encouraged students to promote proper household sanitation, safe waste disposal, and the construction and use of household toilets. He also addressed the dangers of open defecation, urging participants to become advocates for improved sanitation within their homes and communities. Kojo .

An educator and climate advocate, Mbalibo O. Joseph, spoke on “Understanding Climate Change and the Role of Young People in Building a Sustainable Future”. The topic introduced students to the science of climate change, its causes, and its growing impact on Ghana and local communities.

Joseph encouraged the students to take practical climate actions, such as tree planting, proper waste management, recycling, water conservation, and environmental education.

The final session by the Founder and CEO of Ayeyi Impact Foundation, Tsekpokumah Richard, dwelt on “Climate Leadership Development”. Richard, a climate advocate, published environmental writer, and Oti Regional Chairperson of the United Nations Youth Association Ghana, told participants that leadership must be seen as responsibility and service rather than position or title. He encouraged the students to become climate leaders by influencing positive environmental behaviour, organising community initiatives, and inspiring others through action.

Toward a Lasting Impact

The training was not conceived as a one-off but one that should result in a lasting impact.

Therefore, beyond their inauguration as AYEYI Climate Ambassadors, the participants were organised into three Climate Action Groups. One group focused on Climate Advocacy, the second on Biodegradable Waste Recycling, while the third focused on Non-Biodegradable Waste Upcycling. Each of these groups developed an action plan to guide its activities within the school and the surrounding community.

Collectively, the student leaders took the Climate Action Pledge, committing themselves to protecting the environment, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring others through responsible leadership.

The Ayeyi Impact Foundation, on its part, also pledged to continue to mentor and support the student ambassadors by appointing a coordinator to oversee the implementation of the groups’ activities and monitor their progress.

The foundation expressed confidence that the ambassadors would become agents of positive environmental change within their school and beyond.

“This summit is not the end—it is the beginning of a journey. Together, we are nurturing young leaders who will take meaningful action for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future,” it said.

Why It Matters

Climate change is no longer a faraway threat. Its impact increasingly stares humanity in the face.

In Ghana, climate change manifests in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise. Cities like Accra and Tamale witness intense heatwaves, in addition to worse seasonal floods in Accra due to heavy rainstorms. Unpredictable and heavy rainfalls interspersed by long dry spells have disrupted traditional farming calendars, just as rising sea levels cause severe coastal erosion and flood shorelines.

All of this continues to threaten livelihoods, agriculture, biodiversity, and public health.

Therefore, the Ayeyi Climate Leadership Summit is a timely intervention. Initiatives like this that empower young people to take practical action will continue to gain prominence as an essential part of building resilient and sustainable communities.