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, Cรดte 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.
