Freetown City Council (FCC), in collaboration with the United Cities and Local Governments (UCGL) and Bloomberg Philanthropies, has announced the launch of the Youth Climate Action Fund, providing grants ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000. This initiative is designed to support Freetown youths in implementing environmental conservation and mitigation projects.

The official launch took place on May 28, 2024, at City Hall, spearheaded by C40 Co-Chair and Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. The program invites Freetown youths aged 15 to 24 to submit proposals for youth-led adaptation and mitigation initiatives. The focus areas for these proposals include:

1. **Youth-led Awareness and Education Initiatives:**

   - Climate education programs

   - Climate hackathons

   - Climate corps

   - Youth curriculum development

   - Public art and awareness campaigns designed by youth

2. **Youth-driven Mitigation and Adaptation Projects:**

   - Community gardening and tree planting

   - Reforestation efforts

   - Urban and vertical farming campaigns

   - Recycling and waste reduction programs managed by youth

   - Climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs

3. **Co-governed Youth Climate Action Plans:**

   - Partnerships between Freetown City Council leaders and youth groups

   - Policy ideas, decisions, and actions informed by youth

   - Formation of youth climate councils and ambassadors

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the significance of Freetown being one of the 100 cities selected from 38 countries to benefit from this fund. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and UCLG, the Youth Climate Action Fund aims to provide technical assistance and financial support to mayors worldwide. This initiative mobilizes young people to design, implement, and manage urgent climate solutions in their cities, impacting over 62 million residents globally.

“I am thrilled to launch the Freetown Youth Climate Action Fund. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for our young people to actively engage in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. We encourage all eligible youths to submit their innovative proposals and join this global movement,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated.

The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund is part of a broader effort to engage young people in creating sustainable climate solutions. It builds upon previous commitments, such as those made during the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference in September 2023, where agreements worth $28.6 million were signed to enhance Africa’s energy access, agricultural transformation, and knowledge development. Additionally, a $600 million co-financing framework established in 2021 between the African Development Bank and the Korean government supports technical capacity building and energy sector development in Africa.

To participate in the Freetown Youth Climate Action Fund, interested youths can scan the provided QR code for the application form or contact skanu@c40.org for assistance.

This initiative represents a significant investment in Freetown's future, empowering the city's youth to lead environmental conservation and climate action efforts. Through these grants, young people will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their community and the broader global effort to combat climate change.

For ongoing updates and to follow the progress of the Youth Climate Action Fund, stay connected with Sierraloaded on various social media platforms.