By Joseph S. Conteh
Freetown City Council marked a significant milestone on the 28th of February 2025, as they launched the second round of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund at City Hall, Freetown. This global initiative, introduced by Bloomberg Philanthropies in April 2024, aims to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to design and execute climate solutions within their cities.
Sallieu Kanu, Senior Manager of Youth Engagement and Campaign at C4O Cities Climate Leadership Group, highlighted the success of the first round of funding on the 28th of May 2024, where nine youth groups in Freetown received technical assistance and funding. Each participating city initially receives fifty thousand dollars to allocate as microgrants for youth-led climate projects, with the possibility of an additional one hundred thousand dollars for further initiatives if the funds are allocated within six months.
Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives like the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund in addressing the pressing challenge of climate change. The initiative aligns closely with Freetown’s goal of creating over twenty thousand jobs for women and youth by 2028, contributing to the city’s transformative agenda.
Yatta Kallon, Head of Climate Change, expressed joy at launching the second round of the fund, providing young people in Freetown Municipality with the opportunity to take the lead in climate mitigation efforts. Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyerr encouraged participants to dream big and emphasized the importance of taking action to combat climate change, focusing on implementing solutions that can improve lives in the face of the climate crisis.
The Freetown City Council is committed to providing a platform for young leaders to make a tangible difference through climate intervention projects, such as creating green spaces, planting trees, and adapting to climate challenges. The emphasis is on action and impact, reinforcing the belief that hard work and dedication can yield positive results in the fight against climate change.
