Green Guardian Club: Cultivating a Sustainable Future in Malawi’s Classrooms

Can you provide an overview of your project and how it aligns with SDG 17?

The Green Guardian Club is a dynamic project dedicated to advocating for SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), with a special focus on raising awareness among children in schools across Malawi. The initiative aims to promote sustainable development goals by organizing workshops that engage children both inside and outside schools. Key activities include plastic recycling, tree planting, and other environmental protection efforts, all of which align closely with global climate action goals. The project takes place at Ubuntu National School, an inclusive institution that serves students of all backgrounds and their surrounding community. As a mentor, I also train Children Parliamentarians who advocate for these goals under Plan International, further reinforcing the project's commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering collaboration and active youth participation, the Green Guardian Club works to ensure the achievement of the SDGs through education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

How did your project foster partnerships and collaborations to achieve its objectives?

Our project has fostered partnerships and collaborations in several impactful ways to achieve its objectives. First, we’ve partnered with local schools, such as Ubuntu National School, to integrate environmental awareness and sustainability education into their curricula. This allows us to reach a wide group of students and create a lasting impact on their understanding of the SDGs. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with organizations like Plan International to empower young leaders through the Children’s Parliament. This partnership helps to amplify the voices of youth in advocating for sustainable development at the local and national levels. We also collaborate with environmental organizations and local government bodies to ensure that our tree-planting initiatives, plastic recycling programs, and climate action campaigns are aligned with broader national and global efforts. To further strengthen our approach, we engage with community leaders, local businesses, and environmental experts who provide resources, guidance, and logistical support for our activities. By creating these partnerships, we not only leverage diverse expertise and resources but also build a strong network of advocates for sustainability and climate action, ensuring that our work has a far-reaching and lasting impact. Through these collaborations, we are better able to deliver on our mission to raise awareness, foster community engagement, and promote the achievement of the SDGs.

Can you share examples of the key partnerships involved in your project and how they contributed to its success?

Key partnerships have been vital to our project’s success. Plan International and Ubuntu National School have helped integrate SDG education into schools. African Climate Alliance provided training in Climate Science, Project Management, and Movement Building, strengthening our climate action initiatives. Stop Ecocide International has shaped our environmental advocacy, teaching kids about global environmental justice. Lastly, Youth for Environmental Conservation supported our tree-planting efforts and expanded our conservation activities. These partnerships have enhanced our impact, ensuring we have the expertise and resources to drive meaningful change.

What challenges did you face in building partnerships for your project, and how did you overcome them?

Building partnerships in Malawi has not been without its challenges, especially as I’ve only been here for 1 year and 6 months. One major obstacle was the lack of familiarity with local networks and organizations, making it difficult to identify reliable partners early on. Additionally, some organizations were hesitant to collaborate due to limited resources or skepticism about the long-term sustainability of youth-led projects. To overcome these challenges, I focused on building trust and demonstrating the value of our initiatives. I made a conscious effort to engage with local leaders and community groups, highlighting how our work aligns with national goals like environmental protection and youth empowerment. Networking events and workshops helped me establish connections, and being persistent in following up and showing results gradually won over potential partners. I also collaborated with established organizations like Plan International and African Climate Alliance to leverage their credibility and experience. Their support helped us gain trust and build momentum in the community. By proving our commitment and consistently delivering impactful programs, we were able to turn initial skepticism into long-term partnerships.

Did your project leverage any technology or innovative approaches to facilitate partnerships for sustainable development?

Yes, our project has leveraged technology to enhance our workshops and facilitate partnerships for sustainable development. For instance, we use ENROADs, a climate simulator, in our climate workshops to help students understand the impact of various policy decisions on the climate. This interactive tool provides a hands-on, data-driven way for students to see how different actions affect global temperature, carbon emissions, and sustainability goals, making learning more engaging and impactful. Additionally, we utilize online platforms to connect with other organizations and share knowledge. These digital tools have helped us collaborate more effectively, coordinate activities, and stay updated on global trends in environmental conservation and sustainable development. By incorporating technology into our workshops, we’ve been able to reach a broader audience and enhance the learning.

How did you measure the success of your project in terms of partnership building and collaboration?

We measured success by tracking the number of new partnerships and joint activities (like workshops and tree planting events). Feedback from partners and participants helped gauge the impact of our collaborations. Success was also reflected in long-term sustainability—whether partnerships continued and expanded over time. Positive engagement and continued support from partners showed that our collaborations were effective.

What role did communication and networking play in establishing and maintaining partnerships throughout your project?

Communication and networking played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining partnerships. Regular communication helped build trust and kept partners informed about our goals, progress, and outcomes. We used meetings, emails, and social media to stay connected and engage stakeholders. Networking allowed us to meet potential partners, share ideas, and align our objectives. Attending local events, workshops, and collaborating with organizations like Plan International helped us build relationships and find common ground.

Did your project involve partnerships across sectors (e.g., government, private sector, civil society)? If so, how were these partnerships coordinated?

Our project involved partnerships across government, civil society, and the private sector. We coordinated these through regular meetings, joint workshops, and clear role-sharing. The government supported with national advocacy spaces like we attended the lunch of the Malawi Carbon market and Youth National Conference on Climate Change, civil society partners provided training and resources, while private sector businesses contributed through donations and CSR support. Regular communication helps us to ensured alignment and effective collaboration.

How did you engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to ensure their active participation in partnerships?

To engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, we conducted a stakeholder mapping last month to identify key partners and understand their interests and influence. This helped us prioritize and tailor our engagement strategies. We actively involved stakeholders by keeping them informed through regular updates, involving them in decision-making, and seeking their feedback on project activities. We also held collaborative workshops and community events to ensure their active participation. This approach kept stakeholders engaged,strengthened their commitment, and ensured the success of our partnerships.

Reflecting on your project, what lessons have you learned about fostering partnerships for sustainable development, and how do you plan to apply them in future endeavors?

I’ve learned that building trust and clear communication are essential for fostering successful partnerships. It’s crucial to ensure that all partners have a shared understanding of the project’s goals and that their roles are clearly defined from the start. I also learned the value of flexibility—being open to adjusting plans as needed based on feedback and changing circumstances. In future endeavors, I plan to apply these lessons by prioritizing strong relationship-building from the beginning, ensuring continuous communication, and remaining adaptable to the needs of all partners. I’ll also focus on sustaining partnerships over time by seeking long-term collaboration rather than one-off engagements, ensuring the project’s impact lasts beyond the initial phases.