The Youth Cafe is partnering with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to disseminate a toolkit named Change for Climate. The toolkit is designed to inspire and mobilise young Africans (aged 13-18) around the circular economy concept. The circular economy is a new way to design, make and use things that can help us address big challenges like climate change, waste, and pollution.

The circular economy represents a huge opportunity for Africa, especially for young people who the effects of climate change will most impact. As the recent Footprints report on Africa puts it, “African countries have the opportunity to break a pattern that isn’t working to everyone’s benefit and to develop technology and business models that are adapted to specific African realities and needs.”

Together with other strategies, a circular approach offers an opportunity for a rethink which is both radical and deeply rooted in traditional practices.’

This course invites young people to learn more about the circular economy opportunity in Africa, draw inspiration from existing pioneers and develop innovative solutions to problems facing their local communities.

The Change for Climate educational resource for young Africans is now available to download.  The toolkit provides a lesson plan for educators to use in the classroom.

This 60-min lesson plan introduces the concept of the circular economy and how it is developing in Africa. It is followed by a design challenge that students can do individually or in small groups (of up to 5).

Students who complete the design challenge and submit their entry by Feb 28, 2023, will receive a certificate of completion and will have the chance to win the prize.