By Denis Katana Karisa

Denis Katana Karisa, a sophomore student at USIU-Africa, majoring in Information Systems Technology, recently led a transformative initiative to promote environmental sustainability among young students. Denis is a recipient of a $1,557 grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and administered by the American Council for International Education. On September 19, he organized the Nairobi Eco Youth program, which trained 60 children aged 9-13 from the Kasarani neighborhood on effective waste management practices.

As an alumnus of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program (2019-2020), Denis applied his leadership and community service skills to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards. The two-day training event was spearheaded by Dr. Joyce Muchemi and designed to equip young participants with practical skills on waste management, recycling, and environmental responsibility.

The sessions featured engaging, hands-on activities like interactive storytelling, DIY craft workshops using recycled materials, and fun eco-games, all aimed at making learning both educational and enjoyable. The students enthusiastically participated, gaining valuable insights into how they could contribute to a cleaner environment in their daily lives.

As part of the initiative, participating schools received sorting bins donated by One Love Project Kenya, providing the tools needed for effective waste separation and management. This donation not only supports the training but also encourages the schools to implement what they learned in a practical setting.

The training culminated in the students' involvement in Freida Brown Day, where they applied their new waste management skills, reinforcing the relationship between USIU-Africa and the Kasarani neighborhood community. The children were empowered by the experience, and many left excited to implement these practices in their homes and schools, demonstrating the lasting impact of the program.

Denis, who also serves as the Chair of the Electoral College and represents the School of Science and Technology at USIU-Africa, is committed to using his leadership roles to advocate for meaningful change. As the President of One Love Project Kenya, a non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment, Denis continues to champion the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through projects that foster community collaboration and long-term environmental solutions.

The Nairobi Eco Youth initiative stands as a testament to the power of youth leadership in driving sustainable development. It not only educated children on critical environmental issues but also fostered deeper community engagement, with participants and local residents motivated to pursue a more sustainable future.