The Aga Khan University (AKU) in Tanzania recently hosted the 'Every Drop Counts' exhibition, showcasing student-driven climate solutions developed through the AKU President's Challenge for Climate Solutions. This event highlighted the crucial role of African youth in climate innovation, particularly given Africa's disproportionate vulnerability to climate change.
The exhibition demonstrated how young Africans are driving meaningful change at the grassroots level and using innovation to build climate resilience in their communities. Projects from students at Aga Khan Primary School and Tambaza Secondary School ranged from utilizing waste plastic bottles to developing smart irrigation systems, showcasing their understanding of local challenges and commitment to sustainable solutions. Students from Kisutu Secondary School, Jangwani Secondary School and Sisters of Mary Secondary School were also present.
Over 250 students, teachers, AKU staff, faculty, and leadership attended the exhibition's opening, officiated by Professor Pius Yanda, a distinguished Research Professor and climate change expert from the University of Dar es Salaam; Mr Amin Kurji, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network; and AKU Tanzania leaders, including Dr Paschal Ruggajo, Associate Dean, Medical College, East Africa; Professor Jane Rarieya, Dean at the Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA); and Dr Eunice Siaity Pallangyo, Associate Vice Provost, AKU Tanzania.
Professor Yanda emphasized the need to empower youth with technology to raise awareness, share knowledge and develop real-world climate solutions. Dr Pallangyo highlighted AKU's commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration in climate change education, integrating health and education. “Through partnerships, research, and experiential learning, we at AKU aim to cultivate environmental stewardship among future leaders," she said.
Faustinah Mwabili, a master's student at IED EA, and a member of the student environment club, shared her experience, “The exhibition was insightful because I had the opportunity to share my idea of conserving every drop of water for agricultural projects benefiting small-scale farmers in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions, where rainfall is often insufficient for a good harvest."
Student-led climate action is vital in East Africa. Youth will inherit the consequences of climate change and have the greatest stake in finding solutions. Their understanding of local environments, coupled with familiarity with challenges like water scarcity and land degradation, makes their contributions invaluable. As digital natives, they are uniquely positioned to develop and adopt cutting-edge solutions, strengthening community resilience and promoting sustainable development.
The 'Every Drop Counts' exhibition exemplifies what can be achieved when young Africans are empowered to lead. Platforms like the AKU President's Challenge for Climate Solutions enable the next generation of African leaders to address the climate crisis. The ingenuity and passion of these young innovators offer a powerful reminder: the solutions to Africa's climate challenges lie, in large part, with its youth.
