Green Fellows 2024 — Blog — THE GREEN INSTITUTE

Green Fellows 2024

GREEN FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: Spreading the #OfficiallyGreen Message in Shimshal Hunza, Pakistan

Mehwish Murtaza, a dedicated Green Fellow, led an impactful session to promote the #OfficiallyGreen message and environmental sustainability at Diamond Jubilee School in Shimshal Hunza, Pakistan. This initiative aligned with the Green Institute’s mission of fostering awareness and encouraging sustainable practices in communities, particularly among young learners.

I am #OfficiallyGreen

Shimshal Hunza, known for its high-altitude terrain and harsh winters with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C, presents unique environmental challenges. Through this session, Mehwish aimed to equip students with the knowledge and commitment needed to protect their surroundings and embrace the Officially Green Pledges.

The session commenced with an engaging presentation on environmental sustainability, covering essential topics such as climate change, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Mehwish introduced the seven Officially Green Pledges, emphasizing their role in fostering responsible environmental behavior.

To ensure interactive learning, students participated in various hands-on activities, including eco-action games, a sustainability-themed skit, and a "Promise Wall" where they pledged to protect the environment. These activities made sustainability concepts relatable and encouraged students to apply them in their daily lives.

The event was a resounding success, with students demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to adopt sustainable habits. The initiative reinforced the importance of community engagement in driving environmental awareness and inspired many young individuals to become sustainability advocates.

Reflecting on the experience, Mehwish expressed gratitude for being part of the #OfficiallyGreen movement and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting environmental responsibility. She hopes to continue leading similar initiatives that empower communities and instill a lasting culture of sustainability.

Through efforts like these, the Green Institute and its Fellows continue to make a tangible impact, proving that small, collective actions can create a more sustainable future for all.

GREEN FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: Spreading the #OfficiallyGreen message through sustainability outreach in Bujumbura, Burundi

Leda-Bella Nkundamahoro, a committed Green Fellow, led an inspiring community outreach in Burundi as part of the Green Institute Fellows Program. Her efforts to spread the #OfficiallyGreen message took her to three distinct locations: a school, a religious organization, and a community center. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, she encouraged participants to embrace sustainable practices and take meaningful action toward a greener future.

At Ecole Normale Superieur du Burundi (ENS), Leda-Bella introduced university students to the seven Officially Green Pledges, emphasizing the importance of waste reduction, energy conservation, and mindful consumption. The students actively participated in discussions and pledged their commitment by taking photos and recording videos. Their enthusiasm was palpable, with many expressing their determination to advocate for sustainability within their school and beyond.

The outreach continued at Saint Paul Church of Burundi and Family’s Church, where Leda-Bella highlighted the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship. She engaged congregants in discussions on how sustainability aligns with religious values and distributed the Officially Green Pledges. The church members responded positively, sharing ideas on integrating sustainable habits into their daily lives, from reducing food waste to conserving water.

At Ruvumera Market in Bujumbura, she connected with traders and community members, emphasizing the role of collective action in sustainability. She facilitated interactive discussions, encouraging participants to explore practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint. The engagement was impactful, with many attendees pledging to adopt sustainable practices such as minimizing plastic use and planting trees. The energy and commitment displayed during this visit created a ripple effect, inspiring participants to spread the #OfficiallyGreen message within their networks.

Her outreach successfully fostered awareness, encouraged action, and reinforced the importance of community-driven sustainability efforts. Moving forward, she aims to continue these engagements, ensuring that the #OfficiallyGreen message remains a guiding force in building a more sustainable future for Burundi and beyond.

GREEN FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: Danjuma Samuel-A Champion of the Green Movement in Adamawa State

We’re thrilled to recognize Danjuma Samuel as our Best Green Fellow of the Month for December! His outstanding 1000+ Tree Planting Campaign in schools across Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, has left an incredible mark on his community and the environment. 🌳💚

Danjuma’s efforts go beyond just planting trees; they are about inspiring meaningful action, raising awareness, and empowering young people to take responsibility for the planet. Through his campaign, he has planted trees at schools like Bekaji Primary School, Government Girls Secondary School, Yola, and conducted group activities with students of Karewa Day Senior Secondary School. His work included impactful community service through the Spiritlife Power Embassy in Yola and has been documented in reports like the Bekaji Primary School Report and the Government Girls Secondary School Report.

By planting over 1,000 trees, Danjuma has combated desertification, improved air quality, educated students on sustainability and climate action, and engaged the community in meaningful steps toward a greener future.

His dedication is a powerful reminder that small actions lead to significant changes. By turning his vision into a reality, Danjuma has shown that every effort counts in building a sustainable world.

Join us in supporting efforts to make our planet greener. Start today—plant a tree, reduce waste, or educate others about protecting the environment. Every action matters. 🌍

 

CAMERA SPEAKS

GREEN FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: Spreading Green Hope at the Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage Home

THE GREENHQ

On December 23, 2024, Ogbenna Chinedu Felix, a dedicated Green Fellow, led a transformative community outreach at the Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage Home in Asaba. This initiative aligned with the Green Institute’s mission of fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility in communities, especially among young, impressionable minds. The visit was a blend of education, practical activities, and heartfelt support that left an indelible mark on both the children and the organizers.

The outreach featured a sustainability education session tailored for children. Ogbenna used materials from the Green Institute to explain concepts like waste management, moderate consumption, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship. The session included relatable, everyday examples to ensure the message resonated with the children. One highlight was the introduction of the Green Pledges, which the children enthusiastically recited and committed to: “I will never drop that waste on the floor,” “I will eat and drink moderately,” “I will always switch off my appliances when not in use,” “I will use less paper,” and “I will tell others about Green.”

Following the party, the children participated in a waste management exercise, practicing what they had just learned. They collected and sorted waste around the orphanage, reinforcing the importance of cleanliness and environmental care. This hands-on activity bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world action, creating lasting memories.

To further assist the orphanage, Ogbenna donated essential items that addressed immediate needs while promoting sustainability. The donations included two cartons of instant noodles, three packs of tissue paper, a large pack of detergent, disposable waste sacks and medicated gloves, and Isal and facemasks. These contributions underscored the importance of community support in building a healthier, sustainable future.

The visit achieved several milestones. The children embraced sustainability principles with enthusiasm, adopting new habits during the visit. The cleanup exercise helped solidify their understanding of waste management. The donations met critical needs while reinforcing the event’s core message. Despite time constraints and limited documentation, the initiative was a success.

Looking ahead, Ogbenna plans to conduct follow-up visits to ensure sustained behavior changes. He also intends to expand outreach to include more orphanages, schools, and community groups, while improving documentation to better capture and showcase the impact of future efforts. This outreach was not just an event—it was a commitment to building a more sustainable future, one child at a time. By introducing young minds to the importance of environmental responsibility, Ogbenna Chinedu Felix has planted seeds of change that will grow for years to come. Together, we can all take steps to make sustainability a central theme in our lives and communities.

GREEN FELLOWS SEPTEMBER 2024: Environmental Stewardship in Action

THE GREENHQ

At the Green Institute, we are constantly inspired by the passion and commitment of our Green Fellows as they take on various projects that promote sustainability and community engagement. The month of September saw several of our Fellows leading impactful initiatives across different regions. From tree planting to community clean-ups, each Fellow's project contributed meaningfully to the goal of a greener, healthier planet.

Maryam Muhammad: Clean-Up at Bayero University, Kano

On 22nd September 2024, Maryam Muhammad led a successful community clean-up exercise at the Bayero University, Kano main library complex. Alongside four dedicated volunteers, Maryam cleaned the environment surrounding the library, promoting the importance of environmental cleanliness and stewardship. The clean-up was a positive step towards creating a healthier campus environment, while also raising awareness about the need to maintain clean, safe public spaces.

Ata Ullah: Climate Change Advocacy in Rohingya Refugee Camps

Ata Ullah devoted his September efforts to conducting awareness and advocacy sessions within the Rohingya refugee community on climate change preparedness and environmental sustainability. These sessions highlighted critical issues such as the effects of floods and cyclones, the importance of climate change preparedness, and preventive measures to ensure community safety. Additionally, Ata led a tree-planting initiative to reduce environmental risks and promote greener living spaces. His work left a lasting impact, with community members actively planting trees around their homes, contributing to a safer and more sustainable environment.

Adebayo Mubarak: Tree Planting with YALI Network in Kano

On 27th September 2024, Adebayo Mubarak participated in a tree planting activity at the 63 Battalion Janguza Barracks in Kano State. Organized in collaboration with the YALI Network, the Bayero University Law Clinic, and the Rotaract Club of Bayero University, Kano, this event aimed to promote environmental sustainability through community engagement. Adebayo's efforts helped foster a sense of environmental responsibility and a commitment to reforestation within the local community.

Temiloluwa Olabisi: Bodija Clean-Up and Waste Art Project in Ibadan

While Temiloluwa Olabisi was unable to attend the Bodija Clean-Up Project due to an academic commitment, his contributions during the pre-clean-up phase were significant. Adebayo helped promote the event, distributed flyers, and contributed to the innovative "Bodija Waste Art" project. The clean-up event, organized by JCIN University of Ibadanand the EcoVanguard Club University of Ibadan, not only cleaned up Bodija but also raised awareness about environmental care through the creation of eco-friendly crafts and waste art. Adebayo’s involvement in this project demonstrated the power of teamwork and collaboration in making a positive environmental impact.

Edouard Kodji & Ebrima Sissoko: Reforestation Initiatives

Green Fellows Edouard Kodji and Ebrima Sissoko also took part in tree planting activities in their respective communities. Edouard’s efforts contributed to reforestation projects aimed at restoring local ecosystems, while Ebrima worked with community members to plant trees as part of an ongoing campaign for environmental sustainability. These initiatives not only helped combat deforestation but also raised awareness about the importance of trees in protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Each of these initiatives reflects the Green Institute's core values of sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Through their dedication and leadership, our Green Fellows continue to make a tangible difference in their communities, inspiring others to join in the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

Stay tuned for more stories of impact from our Fellows as they continue to create positive change one project at a time!

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GREEN FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT: Sheriff Ceesay’s Tree-Planting Initiative in The Gambia

THE GREENHQ

At the Green Institute, we are thrilled to showcase the impactful community projects spearheaded by our 2024 Green Fellows. This month, we highlight the remarkable efforts of Sheriff Ceesay, a dedicated Green Fellow and environmental advocate, who recently led a successful tree-planting initiative at The Gambia College Brikama Campus.

On 6th September 2023, Sheriff, alongside a group of passionate students, took action to promote environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration by planting 36 trees of various species. Each species was carefully selected for its adaptability to the local climate, ensuring their long-term contribution to the restoration of the ecosystem.

The tree-planting exercise not only beautified the surroundings but also served as an educational opportunity for the students involved. Sheriff ensured that students participated in every step of the process, from preparing the planting sites to properly placing and watering the trees. This hands-on approach helped to raise awareness about the importance of reforestation and the critical role it plays in climate change mitigation.

Sheriff shared his thoughts on the event:

“The tree planting initiative was a positive step toward environmental conservation, and the students gained valuable practical experience in contributing to climate change mitigation. The exercise fostered teamwork, environmental responsibility, and a commitment to sustainability among the participants.”

This initiative is a shining example of how local actions can have a significant impact on global environmental challenges. Sheriff’s leadership and dedication to fostering environmental stewardship among students have set a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at sustainable development in The Gambia.

To learn more about this project and see it in action, check out the video here and the photos shared by Sheriff here.

We are excited to continue highlighting the outstanding efforts of our Green Fellows, who are actively working to create a sustainable and resilient future for their communities.

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GREEN FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT: Pride Nyando’s Clean Energy Initiative in Kisumu County

At the Green Institute, we are proud to showcase the innovative work of our Green Fellows as they take action to address critical environmental challenges in their communities. This month, we feature Pride Nyando, a 2024 Green Fellow and passionate advocate for clean energy in rural Kenya. Through his recent project in Kisumu County, Pride and his team have made significant strides in tackling indoor pollution caused by the use of wood and charcoal as fuel.

Pride, alongside his teammates Silas Ooko and Titus Ayieko, worked in collaboration with the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) to produce eco-friendly briquettes—a cleaner, affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional wood fuel. This project was driven by the pressing need to reduce indoor pollution, which has led to many deaths in rural areas, as well as the ongoing issue of deforestation due to the demand for wood and charcoal for cooking.

In Pride’s words:

"Climate change is still a pressing issue in the African continent. Many people have died as a result of indoor pollution. Access to clean, affordable, and eco-friendly sources of energy is still a challenge in many rural areas in Kenya. This has led to deforestation to provide wood fuel. We have taken keen interest in this to provide an alternative clean, eco-friendly, and affordable energy source to solve the problem of indoor pollution."

With support from the Resolution Project, Pride’s team successfully produced 500kg of clean and eco-friendly briquettes, which were distributed to rural households in Kisumu County. This project not only underwent rigorous lab and market testing but has also been proven safe, environmentally friendly, and accessible to the communities it aims to serve. By providing these briquettes, Pride and his team are offering a sustainable solution to reduce indoor pollution and protect the environment from further deforestation.

This clean energy initiative highlights the critical role that social entrepreneurship and community partnerships can play in addressing climate change and improving lives. Pride's commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment aligns perfectly with the Green Institute's mission of promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Pride’s work exemplifies the potential of young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities, and we are excited to see how this project continues to evolve and expand.

Stay tuned for more stories of impact from our Green Fellows as they work to create sustainable solutions in their communities.

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GREEN FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT: Hagenimana Innocent’s EcoCycle Initiative in Nyabihu District

THE GREENHQ

The Green Fellows program celebrates individuals who are committed to creating sustainable solutions that impact both people and the planet. This month, we are proud to highlight the inspiring work of Hagenimana Innocent, a 2024 Green Fellow, who is making waves in Nyabihu District, Rwanda, through his project, EcoCycle Farm Ltd.

At EcoCycle Farm, Hagenimana and his team are transforming agriculture and waste management practices for smallholder farmers and local communities. Their mission is simple yet powerful: promote sustainable farming practices that not only improve yields but also protect the environment for future generations.

Hagenimana’s approach combines eco-friendly farming techniques with sustainable composting solutions. By turning organic waste into valuable organic fertilizers, the EcoCycle Farm project provides smallholder farmers with a sustainable resource to improve crop production, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of waste.

In his words.

“At EcoCycle Farm, we’re committed to transforming agriculture and waste management for smallholder farmers and local communities. Through our eco-friendly farming techniques, sustainable composting solutions, and organic fertilizers, we aim to promote long-term environmental stewardship.”
— Hagenimana Innocent

Hagenimana outlined three major goals for EcoCycle Farm Ltd:

  1. Empowering Farmers – Providing access to organic fertilizers and training in sustainable farming practices to promote healthier and more resilient agriculture.

  2. Waste Management – Expanding composting solutions to help reduce environmental waste and improve soil fertility.

  3. Community Development – Engaging local communities in collaborative projects that foster growth, sustainability, and resilience.

The EcoCycle Initiative is a shining example of how localized, sustainable projects can benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. By empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need for sustainable agriculture, Hagenimana is helping to build a greener future for Nyabihu District and beyond.

Through his commitment to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and community development, Hagenimana Innocent exemplifies the values of the Green Institute. His work not only serves as an inspiration for others in the Green Fellows program but also for individuals and communities across the globe looking to embrace sustainability in their own lives.

Keep following the Green Institute’s blog as we continue to spotlight our Green Fellows who are driving change and making a difference in their communities.

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GREEN FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT: Peter Aboloje's Campaign for Sustainable Living

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THE GREENHQ

At the Green Institute, we believe in transforming passion into purpose, and one of the ways we achieve this is through our Green Fellows program. Every month, our Fellows engage in meaningful community service activities, driven by their commitment to sustainability and positive social impact. This month, we are proud to spotlight the inspiring work of Peter Aboloje, a 2024 Green Fellow, whose journey toward sustainability has struck a deep chord.

Peter, a doctoral student and bioethicist, recently held a campaign awareness program at Kingmakers Academy in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. His campaign, focused on Sustainable Living, engaged children from grades 3, 4, and 5. Peter passionately shared key insights on how to live sustainably and the importance of taking care of the environment. The children were encouraged to make small changes that contribute to a healthier planet—simple yet powerful actions like recycling, conserving water, and reducing waste.

Peter's inspiration for this campaign came from a deeply personal place. In his own words:

“Prior to this moment, I had not taken keen effort to connect with the spirit of David Archuleta’s song ’Glorious,’ until I saw a post from Adenike Akinsemolu, the founder of the Green Institute, on LinkedIn, on how it got her through some tough times. I went online to get the lyrics of the song and listened as it played, with my eyes on every word that makes up the lyrics. It was then, with tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over me, I realized that this is MY STORY ALL ALONG.”
— Peter Aboloje


Peter’s encounter with this song, which resonated so deeply, marked a turning point in his journey as a Green Fellow. Reflecting on his recent community service, Peter shared how overwhelming peace and joy filled him while speaking to the children:

"Today, as part of my monthly task as a Green Fellow, I held a campaign awareness on the need for 'Sustainable Living' for Grade 3, 4 & 5 children at Kingmakers Academy, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The peace and joy I felt was overwhelming, then I knew indeed I have found the symphony and melody for my life."

Peter's story reminds us of the power of small actions and how they can ripple into profound impacts within our communities. By connecting with young minds and planting the seeds of sustainable living, he is paving the way for a future generation of environmental stewards.

Thank you, Peter, for your dedication and for walking in your purpose. We look forward to seeing more from you and all our Green Fellows in the coming months.

Stay tuned as we continue to feature more inspiring stories from our 2024 Green Fellows. Together, we are building a sustainable future, one community at a time. 

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