Blessing Nduku
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Gweru has taken a bold step in addressing climate change with the launch of its Climate Games initiative this week aiming to inspire individuals to take action on climate change through games.
The Climate Games initiative is a comprehensive program designed to educate and engage the community on climate change issues and it includes a series of games, challenges and interactive activities that aim to promote sustainable living and reduce carbon footprint.
Speaking at the launch of the climate games YMCA’s Gweru branch chairperson youth programmes and climate games developer, Evidence Chipadza stated that launching Climate Games is a response to the global climate crisis and gamification is the best method to engage youth involvement in climate action.
“As an organization, we want to empower young people to take climate action through games. Climate change is having a profound impact on the lives and futures of young people affecting not only the health of marine ecosystems but also their well-being and opportunities.”
“Climate games can play a pivotal role in this endeavor by educating young players about climate change promoting sustainable practices and inspiring action.
By leveraging the engaging and interactive nature of games, we can empower young people to make a positive impact on the environment and shape a more sustainable future.”
Chipadza went on to say that here in Gweru they are targeting 2000 youths to take part in the climate games programme.
“Here in Gweru, we are targeting 2000 youths from the age of 15 to 25 who conflict with the law, school dropouts, young people in mining areas as well as young people with disabilities.
Activities like tree planting, quiz trivia, workshops and cleanup campaigns will be used to engage youths into Climate action all this will be done in the form of games.”
The Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Mr Mgcini Gcinekile Masiye states that the climate games are focusing on empowering knowledge on issues related to climate change to young people.
“We are here today to discuss climate change and how we are programming around it and not forgetting youth justice. Hence, this programme aims to empower youth, especially juveniles.
As one of our organisation’s visions is to empower the youth we ensure to assist youths in situations at the community level just like what we did in 2021 when there was Cycle Idai.”
