Empowering Ecopreneurs: A Network for Collective Climate Action

The unprecedented environmental challenges of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion demand innovative solutions beyond traditional approaches. In South Africa, these concerns are compounded by a youth unemployment rate of 59.4% and over 6.5 million people living in poverty. Furthermore, independent scientific analysis deems South Africa's climate action plans insufficient to address the needs of vulnerable communities. Collective action from empowered young people is crucial to confront these interconnected challenges. Our Ecopreneurs programme equips young South Africans (aged 16-35), from marginalised communities, with the skills and knowledge to develop and launch sustainable initiatives or businesses that address environmental challenges and help them earn an income whilst doing good for the environment. As a pilot programme, we wish to support 180 high school students through the annual Ecopreneurs programme; promote access to the online programme to a further 1000 young South Africans; and launch an in-community programme servicing 1000 more beneficiaries through workshops and immersive training. To do this, our team requires $288 760 to roll out these initiatives over 1 year.