A transformative program known as the Ecopioneer Student Initiative (ESI) has taken root in the Fretown city’s eastern part, aiming to empower secondary school students to develop innovative, eco-friendly solutions for local environmental challenges.
Supported by UNDP’s Youth4Climate Initiative, and implemented by Jeremiah Thoronka and Kolat Inc. (SL.) Limited, the pioneering effort equips young people with entrepreneurial skills and hands-on experience to tackle pressing climate and sustainability issues.
Phase one of the initiative has already engaged 10 schools—Wonder Girls Secondary School, Muslim Congress, Methodist Boys High School, King Fahad Secondary School, Mission High School, Charity High School, Seven Days Adventists (SDA), Gideon Academy Senior Secondary School, St. Helena Secondary School, and Free Pentecostal Secondary School.
Recently, the Ecopioneer team, led by Joseph Elie Cooper, visited these schools to distribute custom Ecopioneer dustbins, whilst also conducting workshops on waste management, clean energy, and sustainable business practices.
Over the coming months, the participating students will work closely with mentors to identify real-world community problems, design relevant solutions, and gain the know-how to transform such ideas into viable “ecopreneurial” ventures.
By inspiring a new generation of climate-conscious innovators, ESI seeks to foster both environmental resilience and economic growth in Sierra Leone. Such an approach aligns with Youth4Climate’s global vision of supporting and scaling youth-driven initiatives, ensuring that young leaders have the resources, expertise, and networks to drive meaningful climate action in their own communities.
As the Ecopioneer Student Initiative continues to expand—ultimately aiming to reach 20 schools—students in Sierra Leone are proving that with the right guidance, they can rise to the challenge of protecting their environment and building a sustainable future for all.
