After months of planning, partnerships and preparations, the Kili Kids Climate Festival finally came to life at Silverleaf Academy in USA River, Tanzania. Over two unforgettable days, more than 1,500 secondary school students flooded through the gates, full of energy and curiosity. What a celebration it was!
The hall came alive, festival banners lined the walls, and the festival song, "WE ARE THE KILI KIDS, HEY, HEY, HEY!" ricocheted across the grounds. These vibes continued for two days of inspiration, action, and pure joy.
Interactive stands showcasing climate solutions
Plastic Fantastic – Hands-on upcycling with recycling machines
Hands-on with Clay – Decorate tiles with natural materials
The Secret of Trees – Discover the power of forests
Forest Wildlife Footprints – Learn how wildlife keeps the planet healthy
Dream Big! - "What do I want to do when I grow up?"
Massai Storytelling – Traditional knowledge sharing
Charcoal sketching – Art meets sustainability
Food for Life – Healthy eating, thriving planet
Nature’s Toothbrush – Discover the magic of the toothbrush tree
Clean Cook, Green Home – Eco-friendly cooking solutions
Maua Mazuri: Grow & Prosper – Sustainable farming for a better future
Re-Stitch & Reimagine – Giving recycled fabrics new life
Jane Goodall Institute – Inspiring youth-led conservation
Curated by Afrisos, children will explore climate-related storytelling and films
The festival will conclude with an electrifying performance by the Junior Warriors, a local band performing with the legendary Mama C. A symbolic lighthouse lighting will shine as a beacon of hope and unity, spreading a message of action to the world!
Each student received an I AM A KILI HERO badge and activity card and then joined the climate-themed outdoor fun fair. The outdoor playing fields featured over 20 interactive tents, from hands-on sustainability workshops to forest secrets and learning about nutrition and the environment. The choice was endless, the entertainment sky high. For many, it was their first time outside their home village.
After lunch, students gathered for an inspiring film screening of The Chameleon Corridors from our partners, Afrisos. The film features a chameleon and its shrinking forest home, erratic rains and crop failure, and a young girl who asks: “If we could destroy nature, why can’t we repair it?" A simple question, sparking inspiration and a call for action.
To close, students made personal pledgesfor the planet, placed them in bottles, and danced their way to the lighthouse,our symbol of radiating knowledge, hope and inspiration beyond the borders. Thesinging and dancing were a sight to behold, one big sea of smiles and laughter.
To close, students made personal pledges for the planet, placed them in bottles, and danced their way to the lighthouse, our symbol of radiating knowledge, hope and inspiration beyond the borders. The singing and dancing were a sight to behold, one big sea of smiles and laughter.
These were two unforgettable days of connection, climate action, and empowerment. A huge thank you for helping us light the way.
Take a look at the festival highlights in our
Inspiring young people to become compassionate changemakers.
The Future is in Our Hands – A student textbook designed to equip young minds with practical climate solutions.
Read morePrice: €15 per book
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