Above: Group photo displaying the Alternative Case Innovation Challenge banner after the event.

Youth Go Green Network, Eco Fuel, and Youth Climate Justice secretariat, youth-led organizations have pledged to spearhead climate justice initiatives in Liberia, focusing on eco-friendly solutions that promote agroecology and enhance the natural ecosystem. This undertaking was made possible through funding from ActionAid Liberia as part of its Alternative Case Innovation Climate Justice Challenge held in Gbarnga on December 14, 2023.

Recognizing the imperative for ‘alternatives’ that extend beyond technology and market-based solutions, ActionAid Liberia emphasizes shifting power dynamics and fostering a just transition toward climate-friendly justice and sustainability. The initiatives aim to support and champion locally led environmentally friendly solutions.

The initiative led by the three youth organizations aligns with the project’s second objective, focusing on renewable energy production and consumption systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and benefit those affected by climate change. Eco Fuel’s first initiative centers on reducing dependence on fossil fuels by advocating for using a smaller quantity of coal over an extended period. Cooking coal involves utilizing abundant decaying materials, particularly crops, trees, and grass, to create long-lasting cooking coal.

The Liberia Climate Justice Secretariate’s second initiative aims to provide clean and renewable energy from the sun. The organizations aspire to bring solar energy to nearly all households in Liberia, helping to lower economic expenses and making solar power more accessible for household use.

The Youth Go Green Network’s climate-friendly third innovation focuses on expanding green climate justice clubs, building upon the existing 30 clubs in various schools. This innovation also addresses plastic management, emphasizing the potential for recycling ample plastic into homemade plastic utensils.
Commenting during the award ceremony, Norwu Kolu Harris noted the importance of this challenge, looking into the future of knowledgeable leaders capable of making healthy and climate-sustainable decisions.

Above: Norwu Kolu Harris gives her opening remarks during the alternative Case Innovation Challenge in Gbarnga City

“This event holds great significance for us as it delves into the innovative knowledge generated by and for young people. Considering that a substantial number of youths will soon assume roles in government, this event serves as a pivotal platform for them to present community-led solutions, fostering a sense of ownership. It recognizes the youth’s potential and provides them a valuable opportunity to contribute to solutions that resonate with their communities,” said Norwu.

ActionAid Liberia (AAL) holds a steadfast belief in the power of knowledge sharing transcending geographical boundaries. The organization recognizes that applying models and practices with transformative potential constitutes one of the most effective methods for positive change. In this context, transformative potential implies the capacity for scaling—expanding to replace unequal and environmentally harmful systems. This can manifest in various ways: ‘scaling up’ by influencing institutions at the policy, rules, and laws level; ‘scaling out’ through replication and dissemination, thereby impacting an increasing number of people or communities; and ‘scaling deep’ by instigating changes in relationships, cultural values, and beliefs, fostering the growth of new ways of working and living.

AAL is committed to sharing knowledge, which highlights their dedication to bringing about change on a larger scale by applying models and practices that have proven to be transformative. These initiatives also aim to reduce the unemployment rate of young people in Liberia.
AAL aims not only to address immediate challenges but to create a ripple effect, influencing systems and policies at a higher level. This approach reflects a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of transformation, emphasizing the need for changes in structures and policies and cultural values and belief systems. Ultimately, AAL envisions a world where positive changes permeate across boundaries, impacting communities, institutions, and the environment.