Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

Are you passionate about making a difference in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation? Do you have innovative ideas and solutions to address pressing environmental challenges? If so, we invite you to seize the opportunity and apply for the Youth4Climate Award 2024! Initiated by the UNDP Rome Center and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, the Youth4Climate Award aims to recognize and support youth-led initiatives that tackle environmental and climate issues head-on. With a focus on fostering youth inclusivity and innovation, this award program is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. One inspiring example of the impact of the Youth4Climate Award is Forezava, a startup that received recognition during the first call for solutions in 2023. Their groundbreaking efforts exemplify the potential of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change. Now, it's your turn to join this global movement and unleash your creativit...

We have to face some hard reality here today. As we speak in the serene greenery of Vihiga County lies a dark reality that threatens the lives of our young people. The allure of gold has lured many into the depths of unregulated mining, where danger lurks at every corner. This morning, the harsh truth hit home once again as news broke of yet another tragedy unfolding in Chanda, Chambiti Village. Five young souls now find themselves trapped within the confines of a treacherous mine, their fate hanging in the balance. With each passing hour, anxiety mounts, and the uncertainty of their condition grips the community in a somber embrace. But this is not an isolated incident; it is a recurring nightmare that has plagued Vihiga County for years. The toll of unregulated gold mining is measured not just in lives lost and bodies injured but in the shattered dreams of families torn apart by grief. These are but dark times for a generation. Anyone that has had an opportunity to visit these sites ...

The youth are the future, a common phrase that we should seek to debunk. But what better way to debunk this than through proactively engaging the youth in activities and programs that build their capacity to create sustainable solutions. The potential greatly expoused by the African youth is desirable. If you haven't had an opportunity to meet this potential and promise then there is somewhere some of us had a unique opportunity to experience it. The  YALI Regional Leadership Center EA  is a unique program that brings together young leaders from 14 East and Central African countries. The youth are selected from three specific leadership tracks: Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership and Public Management. Let me tell you (Maina) the moment you get the chance to meet these amazing leaders cutting across several languages, cultures, religions and various interesting food tastes the realization of what the future for Africa holds strikes home.  One alumni writes: "Arriving at Ke...

In fields where dreams meet fertile ground, Youth and women, with hope abound. In rural lands, where skies are wide, Their hands toil, their spirits guide. Through sweat and soil, they learn the art, Of Climate Smart Agriculture, a fresh start. Seeds of change, they gently sow, In harmony with nature's flow. With each crop nurtured, each harvest reaped, Opportunities blossom, promises deep. Sustainable employment, a beacon bright, Illuminating pathways, in dawn's first light. They tend the earth with tender care, Knowing that from it, life they share. For in their hands, the future's scope, We find resilience, we find hope. Follow Us:  Facebook   X.com   Instagram   Threads   TikTok Donate

In the sprawling landscapes of rural  Vihiga County, a quiet revolution is underway – one that seeks to transform the fortunes of young farmers and cultivate a sustainable future. Forezava, at the forefront of community climate action, recognizes the pivotal role of empowering farmers in the journey towards Climate Smart and Conservation Agriculture. Kevin, a young farmer, stands at the crossroads of ambition and adversity. Eager to mobilize fellow youth for a collective agricultural venture, he finds himself grappling with daunting government regulations. The recent imposition of a 5% income tax on farm produces for instance has cast a shadow over his aspirations, creating an additional hurdle in an already challenging terrain. Not forgetting the multiple daunting regulations and requirements for the setting up of his enterprise.  Kevin's struggle mirrors the predicament faced by countless young farmers in rural communities. The imposition of such taxes, ostensibly aimed at r...

What is with Sports4Ezava one may ask? What are our lean goals? What are the shortterm objectives? Then what happens for the future and in the long-term? This blog is all about Sports4Ezava, a transformative initiative gradually taking root, promising not only to nurture young talents but also to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Forezava Farm proudly     Sports4Ezava project – an innovative toolkit for community climate action that harnesses the power of sports to instigate positive change. At its core, Sports4Ezava is more than just a sports program; it's a holistic approach to community development. The project envisions a collaborative journey, intertwining local school sports teams, passionate coaches, and enthusiastic youth, all working towards a common goal – combating climate change. The first pillar of the initiative revolves around capacity development for coaches. Recognizing the pivotal role coaches play in shaping young minds, Sports4Eza...

As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a social entrepreneur this week, I can't help but marvel at the winding path that brought me to where I am today. It all began in 2015 when, fueled by a mix of excitement and boredom, I co-founded the Vihiga Poverf Digital Youth Group. Little did we know that this venture, initially sparked by youthful enthusiasm, would be the genesis of my foray into social entrepreneurship. Our first project was a vegetable farm at my home, with 1100 stems of kales meticulously planted. However, our optimism was quickly met with the harsh reality of climate change. Devastating rains and hailstorms shredded our hard work, leaving us disheartened. Despite the setback, I persevered. In 2018, I established the Progressive Youth Group, a venture that taught me valuable lessons in resource mobilization and project management. Challenges arose when a faction within the group revolted, resulting in the loss of a significant financial opportunity from a secured pa...