Environmental protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ensuring clean air and water, and combating climate change. It supports the health of our planet and future generations.
Our environment is at greater risk than ever before, and global environmental and climate crises affect not only our daily lives but also future generations. Each of us contributes to environmental pollution and climate crises in one way or another. Kelem firmly believes that neglecting environmental protection and climate change is not only difficult but also costly, and cannot be measured in monetary terms. It is deeply interconnected with future generations and the survival of life on our planet.
In light of this fact and its significance, Kelem has initiated the design and implementation of environmental protection projects that also provide job opportunities for urban youth in six cities of the Amhara regional state. The project aims to create sustainable employment and sources of livelihood through the collection and recycling of plastic waste. It equips vulnerable and unemployed youth in the six target cities with plastic waste collection materials, transport mini trucks, and squeezing machines, along with intensive soft and hard skills training related to these activities. Additionally, it has been actively working to raise community awareness and foster attitudinal change among the target populations through structured and repeated community conversations and related training sessions. The project is ongoing and is expected to directly benefit 6,505 youth, municipal staff, and community change agents, while indirectly benefiting 792,829 residents of the six target cities.
Environmental protection is vital for preserving biodiversity, ensuring clean air and water, and combating climate change. It underpins the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.
During the current quarter, significant progress has been made toward the project’s objectives. Workshops and training sessions have been conducted to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge relevant to urban employment and environmental sustainability. These sessions addressed key topics such as waste management, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurial skills, providing youth with the tools necessary to establish their own enterprises.
In addition to training, several outreach events were organized to raise awareness about the project’s aims and foster community involvement. These events served as platforms for stakeholders, including local government representatives, community leaders, and environmental experts, to engage with the youth and other community members. During these discussions, participants expressed their concerns regarding the delays in project operations, emphasizing the need for timely implementation to achieve the desired impact.
In conclusion, the first quarter of this project has laid a solid foundation for job creation and environmental protection in the Amhara Regional State. Through workshops, training, and community engagement, the project seeks to empower youth while addressing pressing environmental challenges. Moving forward, addressing stakeholder concerns and securing community volunteer participation will be vital in advancing the project’s goals and ensuring its sustainability.
