By Jessica Bwali

On 16th August, 2025, Climate YES Zambia, in collaboration with the Zambia Youth Environmental Network (ZYEN) and Kanyama Youth Revolution, hosted a vibrant march past and community clean-up in Kanyama, Lusaka. The event, which drew a diverse group of young people, community members, and local leaders, highlighted the power of collective action in addressing waste management challenges.

The march past began at Kanyama Police post and attracted the attention of many residents. As the crowd grew, young people joined in, carrying placards with messages calling for responsible waste disposal and sustainable environmental practices. The energy of the march transitioned seamlessly into a hands-on clean-up exercise at Bwafwamo Market and Kanyama Level 1 Hospital.

A total of 56 participants took part in the activity, demonstrating strong community ownership and youth enthusiasm for climate action. One of the highlights was the donation of
waste bins to both the market and hospital, a practical step aimed at encouraging proper waste disposal beyond the event itself. To further assess the impact, Climate YES and ZYEN conducted a brief survey, which confirmed that community members not only gained awareness about waste management but also appreciated the initiative as a solution to an everyday challenge.

Key takeaways from the event included:

• Raising Public Awareness: Community members were educated on the dangers of poor waste disposal and the growing risks posed by single-use plastics. Youth were encouraged to be part of conversations about alternatives and policies to tackle plastic pollution.
• Movement Growth: Climate YES welcomed 11 new members, some of whom joined on the spot after learning about the organization’s vision.
• Strengthening Partnerships: The collaboration with ZYEN and Kanyama Youth Revolution was cemented, and Climate YES received invitations from two additional youth movements for future joint initiatives.

The event not only cleaned up the community but also strengthened the foundation of youth leadership in climate action. As one young participant noted, “This is more than cleaning, it’s about changing how we live and take care of our environment every day.” Climate YES will continue building on these efforts, ensuring that youth voices remain at the
forefront of the fight against waste and climate change in Zambia.