We are proud to celebrate two of our students, Peninah Esther and Shalon Kerubo, for winning awards in the prestigious Climate Innovation Award 2024/2025. Their outstanding projects and deep commitment to environmental change earned them this recognition and have set a powerful example for the rest of our community.
For Peninah, the journey began with a realization — many people around her did not fully understand climate change. Her project focused on breaking down complex climate science into relatable, everyday language to inspire awareness and action. Through school presentations, local talks, and educational materials, she emphasized that climate change is not a distant issue, but a current crisis affecting our lives today.
“I learned how powerful awareness can be in sparking action,” she shared. “This experience gave me confidence in using my voice to make change.”
Shalon’s project took a different, equally inspiring path — transforming the invasive water hyacinth plant into usable paper. By doing so, she addressed both environmental degradation and deforestation. Her research-driven innovation offered a sustainable alternative to tree-based paper production, while also helping to clean water bodies.
“It was tough, balancing schoolwork, research, and this project,” Shalon reflected. “But I learned resilience, and that asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength.”
They both spoke passionately about their motivation and the challenges they faced, highlighting the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones, staying committed through setbacks, and the power of community support. Their reflections reveal young leaders with not only bold ideas but the determination to see them through.
Looking ahead, Peninah plans to take her awareness campaign further, building climate education and sustainability programs in communities. Shalon is determined to bring her paper-from-hyacinth project to life, with dreams of making an impact around Lake Victoria — and perhaps becoming the next Wangari Maathai.
Their stories are a reminder that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the changemakers of today.
