By Thaimu T Kamara
The Kambia District Council has officially launched its maiden Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) 2.0 grants project, creating a new opportunity for young people and youth-led organisations to develop innovative solutions to climate change challenges affecting communities across the district.
The colourful launch ceremony was held on Friday, 7 August 2026, at the Kambia District Council Hall and attracted youth groups, youth-led organisations and youth-serving organisations from across the district.
The initiative is aimed at empowering young people to take a leading role in addressing climate-related challenges while contributing to sustainable development in Kambia.
The launch brought together young people who expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to using the opportunity to develop practical and innovative interventions that respond to the environmental and climate challenges facing Kambia town and surrounding communities.
During the ceremony, officials of the Kambia District Council explained the YCAF 2.0 programme and outlined the process through which eligible youth groups can apply for grants.
Participants were informed about the sponsors and partners supporting the initiative, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), C40 Cities and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisers.
The Council encouraged young people to take advantage of the funding opportunity by submitting strong and innovative proposals that are aligned with the district’s identified climate priorities.
Officials stressed the importance of developing ideas that can produce practical results and contribute meaningfully to addressing climate change at the local level.
The Council also assured prospective applicants that the management and distribution of the grants would be handled through a transparent process.
The assurance was aimed at encouraging eligible youth groups to participate fully in the programme and to have confidence in the application and selection process.
Speaking at the launch, the Kambia District Council Chairperson emphasised that the grants are specifically intended for young people in Kambia and urged all eligible groups to apply regardless of their political or religious affiliation.
He said the selection process would focus on the strength and innovativeness of proposals rather than the political, religious or other affiliations of applicants.
The Chairperson encouraged young people to see the YCAF 2.0 initiative as an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of the district.
“It is time to take great advantage and make good use of the opportunity in front of us to help move our Kambia,” he said, while calling on young people to become more actively involved in local development.
He further stressed that young people should no longer remain on the sidelines of development processes, but should take the lead in shaping the future of the district.
The Council Chairperson also assured the youths of his readiness to facilitate their participation in development activities and support initiatives that can contribute to the progress of Kambia.
His remarks were welcomed by the young people in attendance, who applauded the initiative and expressed their commitment to pursuing the opportunity.
Youth representatives said the availability of grants specifically targeting climate action would provide them with an important platform to turn innovative ideas into practical projects.
They also expressed interest in developing proposals that respond to the specific environmental problems affecting their communities while creating opportunities for young people to participate in climate action.
The launch marks an important step in strengthening youth participation in climate governance and local development in Kambia District.
Through the YCAF 2.0 initiative, the Kambia District Council is seeking to encourage youth-led solutions to climate change while giving young people a greater voice in addressing challenges that directly affect their communities.
The Council has therefore urged eligible youth groups, youth-led organisations and youth-serving organisations to study the application requirements carefully and submit proposals that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and clear links to the district’s climate priorities.
The initiative is expected to provide a platform for young people to move from being beneficiaries of development programmes to becoming active partners and leaders in climate action and community development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 24th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
