By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru, Zimbabwe – The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Gweru, Zimbabwe, recently launched an innovative “Climate Games” initiative, aiming to engage young people in climate action through interactive and educational games. This bold move highlights a growing trend of using gamification to address complex global issues.
The comprehensive program, launched this week, incorporates a variety of games, challenges, and activities designed to educate the community about climate change and promote sustainable living practices, ultimately reducing carbon footprints.
Evidence Chipadza, YMCA Gweru’s Chairperson of Youth Programmes and the driving force behind the Climate Games, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Launching Climate Games is a response to the global climate crisis. We believe gamification is the most effective method to inspire youth involvement in climate action,” Chipadza stated at the launch event.
The initiative aims to empower young people to become active agents of change. “Climate change is profoundly impacting the lives and futures of young people,” Chipadza explained, “affecting not only marine ecosystems but also their well-being and opportunities. By leveraging the engaging nature of games, we can empower them to positively impact the environment and shape a more sustainable future.”
YMCA Gweru plans to engage 2000 young people, aged 15 to 25, in the program. The target audience includes vulnerable youth such as school dropouts, young people in mining areas, young people with disabilities, and those who have been in conflict with the law.
The games will revolve around activities like tree planting, quizzes and trivia, workshops, and community clean-up campaigns, all framed within a competitive and engaging gaming structure.
Mgcini Gcinekile Masiye, the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Gweru, highlighted the focus on knowledge empowerment. “This program aims to empower youth, especially juveniles, with knowledge on issues related to climate change,” he explained.
By integrating climate action into fun and accessible games, the YMCA Gweru is setting a precedent for how community organizations can effectively engage and educate young people on critical environmental issues. The initiative underscores the potential of gamification as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
