Blessing Nduku
In a bold move to promote environmental awareness and climate action, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) has introduced climate games to its stakeholders, blending education with interactive participation.
The initiative aims to equip communities with knowledge on climate change through engaging activities that encourage sustainable thinking and collaboration.
Speaking during the meeting, Evidence Chipadza, Youth Chairperson for YMCA’s Programs for Development, said that in response to the global climate crisis, YMCA has decided to launch a climate game program using the gamification method to engage youth in climate action.
“Climate change causes numerous environmental hazards, so raising awareness is essential. We aim to empower youth to take decisive action. Through gamification, we will engage them by applying game design elements to non-game contexts to encourage specific behaviors.”
“Climate games can play a pivotal role in this endeavor by educating young players about climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring action.”
She also mentioned that gamification has increasingly been used worldwide to address
climate change by promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.
Participants were introduced to interactive quizzes and logical games designed for the campaign.
One of the stakeholders expressed how grateful he is to YMCA for having these games, hence he is going to pass on information on climate change.
“At the YMCA, I did not just learn about climate change, but I learned how to play the long
game for our planet. Climate games taught me that every small action adds up and that together we can make a difference. Now I am passing on the knowledge, and I will inspire
others to join the fight against climate change.”
These games aim to engage the youth on climate change by testing knowledge and encouraging critical thinking about environmental sustainability.
YMCA operates in four main areas through its Vision 2030, which include Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World.
The YMCA was established in 1968. The organization seeks to develop civil society by educating communities and YMCA members on human rights issues, as well as facilitating and designing self-reliance programs.
The YMCA has five branches and 28activity groups located around the country. These programs include family life education, disaster relief, civic education, youth camping, brick-making, carpentry, dressmaking, art, and market gardens
