How Youth Can Help Build a More Sustainable and Equitable Future

Q&A with Alice Saamakopito from Kenya’s Kajiado County, a CBO partner of IF Partner Firelight Foundation

By Samuel Mugacha and Abdelrahman Hassan

All youth, including those from pastoralist communities are eager for opportunities to live a meaningful, dignified life and to contribute to their communities. Livelihood opportunities, however, are often hard to come by—and are made worse by the climate crisis.

In these communities, droughts have dried up vegetation that many families depend on for their livelihood, and some have been forced to make the difficult decision to marry off their young daughters for survival.

Amidst this crisis, young people are taking action to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Alice Saamakopito, 21 year-old entrepreneur and a mother of two children from Kenya’s Kajiado County, is one of them. The recent droughts have severely impacted Alice’s business, where she sells and herds livestock including chickens, cows and goats, and cooking oil.

Alice is a member of The Emishoi Sidai Self-Help Group, a community-based organization (CBO) that empowers women to take charge of their own lives while also tackling the climate crisis. The group is supported by Nareto Latia, a CBO that advocates for the fundamental rights of women and youth from indigenous communities and empowers them to address poverty. Nareto Latia is a CBO partner of Firelight Foundation, which we’re proud to support.

We spoke with Alice to hear her perspective on how we can empower youth and co-create a more sustainable and equitable future.

How can young people lead and create a sustainable future?

Alice: It is quite evident that we cannot ignore climate change. Even as we seek to take charge of our lives and find work opportunities, we must ensure that our communities can withstand the effects of climate change. Young people can be environmental champions in their communities, volunteer in initiatives such as planting trees, and explore ways of earning an income that do not compromise the environment. I also encourage young people to seize opportunities in their communities. Even by volunteering, they can network and learn a lot.

What inspires you to do the work that you do?

Alice: I feel proud when I can take care of my children without worrying about their needs. Other women also inspire me in my self-help group. We are resilient and with our numbers growing, we can support each other and our families. I’m also hoping to return to school and pursue a course in social work.

Read More On Our Blog

Want to hear more from Alice? Head to our blog to for more insights we heard: How Youth Can Help Build a More Sustainable and Equitable Future