Exclusive – Chatting to Gen Z activists Jeremy and Michelle

The beginnings of building an app

‘Upon agreeing with KIRDI on the importance of sustainability and a recycling project to curb plastic pollution, we had to visit the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to collect data,’ the smiling Michelle said.

At NEMA, they were advised about the plastic policy in Kenya and what the organization is doing to combat plastic pollution.

From there, they were directed to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Instutute (KMFRI). They met Dr. Chris, the Assistant Centre Director who invited them to work with their Lake Debris Volunteer Program and get involved with weekly beach clean ups to collect and analyse litter.

The clean up along Kisumu inspired the creation of an app, and Jeremy is at the forefront of the initiative.

Through the assistance of KMFRI, the app is still at an early stage and once completed will require users to input their name, location, and upload the types and quantity of plastic collected in their specific location.

Using GIS technology, the app will automatically direct the user to the nearest recycling plant to ensure proper waste management of the plastics collected.

Michelle and Jeremy tend to focus on young people and the problems affecting them. ‘We want focus and target young people who engage in clean ups and can use the app to their advantage,’ said Jeremy.

Targeting a country where Gen Z makes up more than a half of the entire population is a boost to ensure the country’s shores are cleaner.

Michelle adds that a ‘lack of awareness has affected the country and, as Gen Zers, we’ve taken advantage of the internet to find information. We’d like to make systems more efficient for our growth as a nation and as a continent.’

Challenges faced as young activists

The two have faced various challenges as burgeoning changemakers.

They’ve juggled school staff, managed various campaigns, and organised summits to educate and inform people on the importance of the environment.

As Michelle said, ‘nowadays we wish we could have 36 hours in a day – time is so limited on our side and we have much to do.’

Additionally, the duo mentioned that dealing with people who aren’t passionate about environment conservation is a challenge, especially given their age.

Older generations don’t take them seriously when it comes to education and learning. This has been a major challenge in Africa, where older folks tend to make decisions while younger generations are largely forced to listen.

This narrative has made Gen Zers feel voiceless in most areas of development and politics.

According to Jeremy, some peers are not confident in what they’re currently doing and research opportunities aren’t easy for young people as they’re expensive in both time and resources. Put simply, more Gen Zers need to get on board and look at long-term problems affecting their local areas.

 

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Strategies for effective environmental conservation in Africa

The environmental duo advise that African nations need to change policies concerning environment conservation and encourage people to actively protect their nearby wildlife.

Young people should be given opportunities to explore issues via the internet and other public educational resources. Everyone deserves to be able to learn and put the time towards having a positive impact on the environment.

While Kenya has the strongest environmental laws in Africa, more has to be done by the government and the continent as a whole to protect nature.

According to Michelle, overall Gen Zers are doing more than millennials in terms of social change. This is due to having resources closer to them and reliable information.

Young people have the opportunity to get engaged with the climate crisis earlier in life, and have done more to help the environment and ocean matters as a result.

Having teenage activists involved in various dialogues concerning social change will favour future generations, many of which currently entirely rely on technology to solve problems.

Having clean ups, planting trees, and doing small acts such as turning off the tap after use is crucial – and if everyone, regardless of age, adopts these practices we could see real differences.

Michelle says that African problems should not be entirely solved through Western practices, and Africa can design its own systems for change that supplement the West.

Advice to young African Gen Zers and the world

Jeremy says that young changemakers should research problems and refer to what other people are doing to solve them.

The current generation shouldn’t be afraid to start making change, or be intimidated to ask for help in situations that can change the livelihoods of people.

‘Collaborating with likeminded people is a good strategy to make an impact as a team,’ Jeremy concludes.

‘Look around. That problem that pisses you off, what can you do to solve it?’ Michelle adds.

Uniting people is the paramount goal to create change. Having no skills should not be a barrier and by bringing more people on board via social media, we can unite millions across countries and generations.