Learning, Leading, Acting: Youth in Climate Action
Voluntary Health Association of India has launched a Climate Change Education initiative in Ganjam district, Odisha, aimed at empowering youth and adolescents to become proactive agents of change in their communities. Through this program, participants are educated on sustainable practices such as organic farming, kitchen gardening, rainwater harvesting, and planting fruit trees on non-forest land. The initiative also promotes the use of renewable energy like solar power, emphasizes the prevention of forest fires, and advocates for the reduction of plastic consumption.
Reaching over 2,000 youth so far, VHAI provides continuous support to help these young individuals apply their knowledge and lead climate action efforts in their local areas. The program encourages healthier food choices by minimizing packaged and junk food consumption and promotes better sanitation practices, including stopping open defecation. By fostering a deeper connection to the environment and equipping youth with the tools to combat climate change, VHAI is nurturing a generation dedicated to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for their communities.