Founded and led by youth activists, Wakapinya Environmental Education has emerged as a beacon for environmental stewardship in Namibia.
Their mission is to empower communities to embrace sustainable living practices, enhance food security, and combat poverty through education and awareness.
Ester Haikola-Sakaria, founder of the organisation, said Wakapinya envisions a world where every individual takes responsibility as stewards of the environment.
The organisation’s mission is to educate, inspire and empower people of all ages to safeguard the planet for future generations.
At the 4th Sustainable Development Awards, Wakapinya was awarded the Pioneering Journalism in the Best Digital Media category.
This accolade celebrates Wakapinya’s innovative approach to utilising digital platforms to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
“We reached over 10 000 individuals through our Youth Enviro Show programmes and social media platforms. We have established environmental clubs in some schools, and participated in national youth climate change conferences. I conducted youth seminars in Okongo, Ohangwena region, and organised school roadshows for cleaning campaigns and tree planting in Otjozondjupa, Khomas and Hardap regions,” she said.
Wakapinya has been recognised by the Namibian government and participated in COP27’s “Science and Youth Day” side-event.
Haikola-Sakaria said the organisation has produced 12 episodes of the Youth Enviro Show, with environmental topics translated into Afrikaans, Rukwangali and Oshiwambo.
It is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to developing sustainable environmental education and capacity-building programmes that advocate for sustainable living, reducing environmental harm, enhancing the quality of life, promoting food security and alleviating poverty, she said.
“Our mission is to increase environmental awareness and education, and empower communities to take proactive steps to produce food, live sustainably and become stewards of the environment and planet,” said Haikola-Sakaria.
The young activist said Wakapinya will continue to educate, inspire and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards safeguarding the planet.
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