The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has congratulated the 18 winners of the Second Round of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund, who will collectively receive a total of $87,471 (equivalent to NLe 1,981,000) in funding to implement youth-led climate initiatives across the city.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between Freetown City Council, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), aims to empower young people between the ages of 15 and 24 to take meaningful action against the climate crisis. Through micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the program supports innovative projects designed and led by youth, targeting environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

According to Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, the grants were awarded following a competitive proposal process in which youth-led organisations submitted concepts focused on pressing climate issues. Among the successful proposals are waste-to-energy initiatives, community-led mangrove restoration projects along Freetown’s coastal areas, and public education campaigns that aim to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.

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Each of the 18 winning teams will receive funding in New Leones for their projects, which are set to be implemented over a six-month period. The Freetown City Council will provide technical support and oversight throughout the implementation phase.

“I am excited to see the innovation and commitment of our youth and the impact of their work in their communities,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated.

The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund reflects Freetown’s broader commitment to engaging young people in climate resilience and environmental protection, and underscores the importance of local leadership in the global fight against climate change