Youth as Agents of Change

How Tanzanian Students Are Shaping a Sustainable Future

Youth today are facing unprecedented challenges yet, they are also uniquely positioned to drive positive change. As I work with young leaders in Tanzania, I am continuously inspired by their sense of responsibility and their ability to recognise global issues that extend far beyond their local communities. From environmental destruction to gender inequality, these young people understand the importance of action and they are taking it.

If there is one thing that I admire about Tanzania, it is that they made a conscious decision to abolish ALL plastic bags in circulation. Yes, you can’t even bring a bag to carry your duty free purchases as they will take it from you as you enter the country. This has shown their youth that, when truly wanted, genuine change is possible.

The Environmental Crisis: A Call for Conscious Living

One of the most urgent issues I have seen young people in Tanzania tackle is environmental sustainability. The country, like many parts of the world, is facing environmental degradation with massive amounts of garbage being dumped into waterways, polluting the soil and damaging the delicate balance of nature. I have had students share their passionate concerns about how human actions are affecting the earth’s resources—resources that, quite literally, sustain us.

In one instance, I listened to a group of students who recognised the severe environmental impact of plastic waste and its accumulation in their communities. They were determined to create awareness and action, urging their peers to reduce plastic consumption and to engage in cleanup activities. These students have shown that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable problems, young people can play a crucial role in fostering sustainable living.

This call for sustainability goes beyond just waste management. Many of the students are now thinking critically about their everyday choices and how they can live more consciously, minimise their environmental footprint, and advocate for renewable energy and green technologies. These young leaders understand that our future depends on the actions we take today and they are committed to being a part of the solution.

Empowering Girls and Women: A Fight for Equal Opportunity

Equally inspiring is the passion of the young women in my leadership programs, who are advocating for equal education and opportunities for girls. In Tanzania, as in many parts of the world, girls often face barriers to education due to cultural norms, early marriages, and gender inequality. These young female students, however, are challenging these norms by calling for the right of every girl to access quality education and to have a voice in decision-making processes.

Two of my students, who are also working on writing their books, are addressing these social issues. They are not just writing stories, they are championing messages of empowerment, showing young girls that they deserve to be heard and respected, to believe in themselves, in who they are born to be, and to stand tall with a voice of change for the things that they believe in. Their stories promote a culture of inclusivity, one where every individual, regardless of gender or birth right, deserves to be respected, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed.

Through their leadership, these students are becoming role models for their communities, helping to break down barriers that prevent girls from pursuing their dreams. They are encouraging their peers to stand up and advocate for a future where authenticity and gender equality is a reality.

A Future Shaped by Empathy and Action

The young people I work with in Tanzania are not just aware of those global issues, they are motivated to create change. They are becoming the future leaders, thinkers, and activists who will lead the charge for a more sustainable and equitable world. Their emotional intelligence, leadership abilities, and deep commitment to social justice are what set them apart. They are not only working towards their own dreams but are also fighting for a better future for all.

By supporting these students in their leadership journeys, we can help cultivate a generation of young people who are not only aware of the challenges they face but are equipped to turn those challenges into opportunities for positive change. Through education, advocacy, and action, today’s youth can—and will—create a world that is more sustainable, equitable, and mentally healthy for future generations.