From Volunteer to Climate Leader: Ousman’s Journey
“Climate change isn’t something far away. I see it every day. And now, I know I can do something about it.”
— Ousman Lamin., Youth Leader, Eco Climate Initiative
When 19-year-old Ousman Lamin first joined a tree-planting event hosted by the Eco Climate Initiative (ECI) in Paynesville, he had never held a shovel before—let alone considered himself an environmental activist. Like many young people in Liberia, he felt climate change was a distant, global issue, not something he could influence.
But one event changed everything.
🌱 A Spark of Inspiration
Ousman had always cared about his community, but it wasn’t until he saw how deforestation was affecting his neighborhood—flooded roads, extreme heat, and loss of biodiversity—that he realized the environment was everyone’s concern.
Through ECI’s Green Skills Development Program, he learned about climate change, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and how youth can lead local solutions.
“ECI didn’t just teach me about climate issues. They gave me tools and confidence to speak up and take action,” Ousman said.
🏫 Leading Eco-Clubs in Her Community
Today, Ousman leads an eco-club at his former high school. With over 40 student members, the club organizes:
- Tree planting drives on campus
- Environmental debates and quiz competitions
- Plastic-free campaigns in nearby marketplaces
- Climate storytelling workshops
He also mentors younger students, showing them how environmental stewardship can be both empowering and fun.
🎤 Advocating for Youth Involvement
Beyond the classroom, Ousman now represents ECI at youth dialogues and local radio programs, encouraging other young people to join the climate movement.
“Many of us think we’re too young or too poor to make a difference. But climate change affects us first. We must be the first to respond.”
💡 What Ousman’s Story Tells Us
Ousman’s journey is just one example of how empowering youth leads to real, lasting change. At ECI, we believe every young person has the potential to be a climate leader when given the right platform, training, and support.
From a volunteer to a community organizer and advocate, Ousman embodies what it means to act locally and think globally.
🙌 Want to Be Like Ousman?
You can start your own journey by joining ECI’s programs as a volunteer, club leader, or community advocate. Together, we can raise a generation of environmental leaders ready to protect Liberia—and the planet.
📩 Contact us or visit our “Get Involved” page to learn how you can start.
