GREENOVATE: Building Youth Capacity for Green Development in Africa (Project number - 101246406)
The GREENOVATE project empowers young people in Sub-Saharan Africa to become leaders in green entrepreneurship and sustainable development. By fostering collaboration between youth organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers in the EU and Sub-Saharan Africa, the project addresses critical challenges such as youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and limited access to education and training.
The project’s objectives are to strengthen the capacity of youth organizations to support green entrepreneurship; equip young people with the skills and resources needed to develop and launch green businesses; promote cross-cultural collaboration and learning; and integrate project outcomes into formal education and national youth policies.
GREENOVATE PROJECT KICKOFF MEETING IN MASERU, LESOTHO
The Kick-Off Meeting of the GREENOVATE Project was successfully held in Maseru, Lesotho, from 19th to 23rd February 2026, and it was graciously hosted by the Ministry of Education and Training, Lesotho. The meeting brought together participants from partner organisations across Lesotho, Zambia, Nigeria, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, and Slovenia
The program commenced with a courtesy visit to the Ministry, where the consortium had a productive meeting with the Deputy Permanent Secretary. This was followed by an engaging team-bonding session that allowed participants to introduce themselves and strengthen collaboration from the outset. The project coordinator then officially unveiled the GREENOVATE Project, outlining its vision, objectives, and expected impact.
Each day of the meeting was highly interactive and informative. Partners thoroughly discussed and agreed on key project components, including activities, deliverables, roles, milestones, timelines, and responsibilities. Deliberations also covered Youth Participation Activities, Youth Exchanges, Youthpass, and non-formal education approaches, ensuring alignment and shared understanding among all partners.
The sessions were enriched with vibrant intercultural activities, where partners showcased their respective countries’ cultures, traditions, and cuisines. A guided city tour further provided participants the opportunity to experience the beauty and heritage of Lesotho.
Overall, the kick-off meeting was a great success. It strengthened partnerships, clarified roles and expectations, and resulted in concrete action plans toward achieving the goals of the GREENOVATE Project. Participants departed Lesotho with renewed commitment, stronger bonds, and lasting memories of a productive and inspiring gathering.
IYACODI PARTICIPATES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION ERASMUS+ GREENOVATE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN ZAMBIA - MAY, 2026
Livingstone, Zambia | May 2026
The Inclusive Youth and Community Development Initiative (IYACODI) proudly participated in the GREENOVATE Youth Exchange Programme, a week-long international exchange held in Livingstone, Zambia, under the Erasmus+ GREENOVATE Project, co-funded by the European Union. The programme brought together young leaders from Africa and Europe to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and collaboration in green entrepreneurship, climate action, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership.
About the Programme
The GREENOVATE Youth Exchange is designed to empower young people to become agents of sustainable development by promoting innovation, environmental stewardship, and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2026 exchange convened 34 young participants from Nigeria, Zambia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Lesotho, Tanzania, and Slovenia, providing a platform for learning, networking, and developing practical solutions to climate and environmental challenges.
IYACODI’s Participation
IYACODI was represented by a five-member Nigerian delegation, which actively participated in interactive workshops, team-building exercises, intercultural dialogue, and collaborative learning sessions throughout the programme. The exchange enabled participants to share experiences, strengthen international partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to addressing climate challenges within their respective communities.
Key Activities
Throughout the exchange, participants took part in practical and community-based learning experiences. A major highlight was the Climate Action Outreach at Malota Community School, where participants educated students on environmental stewardship, responsible waste management, personal hygiene, and the 3Rs-Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Through role plays, songs, demonstrations, and a community clean-up exercise, students gained practical knowledge on protecting their environment. The outreach also included the donation of waste bins and hand gloves to support improved environmental practices within the school.
Participants further engaged in community visits to identify local climate challenges and explore opportunities for green entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions. The programme also celebrated cultural diversity during an International Night, where each participating country showcased its traditions, language, food, music, dance, and cultural heritage, strengthening intercultural understanding and lasting friendships. The delegation also visited the iconic Victoria Falls, reflecting on the importance of biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism as key components of global climate action.
Impact
The GREENOVATE Youth Exchange strengthened IYACODI’s capacity to design and implement community-based initiatives that promote environmental education, green entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and youth leadership. The programme enhanced participants’ knowledge, expanded international partnerships, and reinforced the value of collaboration in addressing shared environmental challenges.
The experience has also inspired the implementation of local step-down training and community outreach activities in Nigeria, enabling the knowledge and skills gained during the exchange to reach children, young people, and local communities while creating a lasting ripple effect of environmental awareness and climate action.
Looking Ahead
IYACODI remains committed to translating the knowledge, partnerships, and experiences gained through the Erasmus+ GREENOVATE Project into practical initiatives that empower young people and strengthen community resilience. By building on international collaboration and local action, the organization continues to advance environmental sustainability, green innovation, and inclusive youth leadership across Nigeria.
Together, we are empowering young people to lead climate action and build sustainable communities across Africa and Europe.
IYACODI EMPOWERS YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS THROUGH GREENOVATE COMMUNITY TRAINING
Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria | July 2026
Young people in Osajin Community of Ibadan are taking meaningful action for a cleaner environment after participating in IYACODI’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle environmental training, inspired by lessons from the Erasmus+ GREENOVATE Youth Exchange held in Livingstone, Zambia.
About the Event
The training was organized by the Inclusive Youths and Community Development Initiative (IYACODI) at Connection Point Parish, Junior Church, Osajin Community, Ajibode, Ibadan. It was facilitated by Unimashi Ugbe, an IYACODI Ambassador and GREENOVATE Youth Exchange delegate, as part of IYACODI’s commitment to translating international knowledge into practical community action.
The session introduced participants to the causes and effects of environmental pollution and equipped them with practical ways to protect their environment through the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Using an interactive learning approach, participants engaged in discussions, teamwork, drama, songs, posters, and creative presentations that encouraged active participation and peer learning. Younger children aged 0-5 years also participated through age-appropriate activities, including nature observation, drawing, and environmental songs, ensuring an inclusive learning experience for all.
Attendance and Participation
The training brought together approximately 40 children, teenagers, and volunteers from the Osajin Community. Participants actively contributed to group discussions and collaborative activities, while adult volunteers and older youths supported younger participants throughout the session. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation reflected the community’s growing interest in environmental education and youth-led climate action.
Impact
The training strengthened participants’ understanding of environmental pollution and the importance of the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle principles in everyday life. Through peer-to-peer learning and creative presentations, participants demonstrated their knowledge by producing songs, posters, drama, and practical examples that promoted environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.
The session concluded with a collective environmental pledge, with participants committing to practice the 3Rs and promote responsible environmental habits within their homes, schools, and communities. They were also encouraged to share what they had learned with family members, friends, and neighbours, extending the impact beyond the approximately 40 direct participants and fostering greater environmental awareness across the wider Osajin Community.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this initiative, IYACODI will continue to expand community-based environmental education and climate action programmes that empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become environmental champions. Through initiatives like this, the organization remains committed to transforming global learning into sustainable local action for cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
