Zambia's First Kids Climate Fair

.... A groundbreaking event engaging children in climate action and environmental sustainability.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia – (05-03-2025) - Butterfly Entertainment Ltd. will host the Kids Climate Change Fair-2025 on March 14, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.

This pioneering event is designed to engage children aged 7 to 14 in climate action through interactive activities focused on environmental sustainability.

The fair will feature tree planting, recycling workshops, eco-friendly fashion displays, and climate-focused challenges.

Students from various schools across Zambia will also present projects highlighting climate change solutions in a competition aimed at fostering creativity and awareness.

Allan Liswaniso, CEO of Butterfly Entertainment Ltd., explained the significance of the event: “As an organization, we believe children have the power to drive change. This event goes beyond learning—it’s about empowering kids to take action on climate change.”

The fair is free to attend and open to the public, encouraging broad participation from schools and families. Support for the event comes from key partners including Shoprite, Easy Noodles, and Big Tree Waste Management.

Butterfly Entertainment Ltd. also advocates for the integration of climate change education into school curriculums, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning.

“Climate action needs to be experienced, not just taught theoretically,” Liswaniso added.

Young models will take the stage at the "Way for Change" Fashion Show, an event promoting sustainability through fashion made from recycled materials.

Organized by Belleza Talent Management in partnership with Butterfly Entertainment, the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.

Belleza Talent Management CEO, Lindiwe Kasonde, said the show aims to teach children about sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

"Fashion is more than style—it’s a tool for change. This initiative proves fashion can support climate action," she said.

The event will feature outfits crafted from recycled materials, inspiring children to rethink waste and their role in environmental protection. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Green Economy, Java Foods, and Lactogenia Fans, are supporting the initiative.

Felix Inaboa Sililo, School Manager at OVC School in Chongwe, stressed the importance of climate education.

"We must equip children to tackle climate change. It affects everyone, and all stakeholders must be involved," he said. He added that schools are preparing students to understand and address environmental challenges.

Kasonde urged parents, educators, and businesses to support young talent in using creativity for a greener future. "By nurturing talent and raising awareness, we can build a more sustainable world," she said.

The Kids Climate Fair, where the fashion show will take place, is expected to attract environmentalists, educators, and policymakers, reinforcing the message that sustainability can be integrated into everyday life.

Corporate leaders, government officials, and environmental advocates gathered in Lusaka this week to discuss the urgent need for better waste management and climate change action.

Bridget Kambobe from Lusaka Solid Waste Management (The Triple Rs) emphasized the role of waste management in mitigating climate change, citing recent floods caused by clogged drains.

She stressed the importance of educating the next generation on proper waste disposal. “The future of Lusaka depends on how we manage waste today,” Kambobe said.

JAVA Foods and Victory shared their sustainability efforts. Francis Musonda of JAVA Foods outlined initiatives like using solar power and responsible packaging to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We aim to create awareness and foster responsibility within communities,” Musonda said.

Kambobe urged companies like Trade Kings to ensure environmentally responsible products, noting that waste management is a shared responsibility between businesses, government, and the public.

The Ministry of Education is working to integrate climate change education into the school curriculum to equip future generations with the knowledge to address environmental challenges.

Experts agree that addressing waste management and climate change in Zambia requires collaboration across sectors. “By working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier Zambia,” Kambobe concluded.

Newlove Kanangwa, CEO of Lactanguna Farms, called for urgent action on climate change during a Green Economy event this week.

Speaking to industry leaders, government officials, and environmental advocates, he stressed the need for sustainable practices to protect the environment.

Kanangwa, an organic farmer in the Zambezi region, highlighted the struggles of farmers facing climate change.

"It’s a tough year for many farmers, but it’s inspiring to see their efforts to combat climate change," he said, urging immediate action.

He emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

"Healthy soil equals a healthy nation, and a healthy nation equals a productive economy," Kanangwa stated.

His company has committed to sustainability by eliminating single-use plastics and recycling organic waste. "Without a healthy environment, our business cannot thrive," he added.

Kanangwa also pointed out that agriculture is one of the top contributors to climate change and called for faster progress on waste management and sustainability measures.

"We need to act now, as there is no ‘Plan B’ for the planet," he warned.

He proposed planting a tree for every person in Zambia, a country with a population of 21 million, as part of a broader effort to tackle climate change.

"If each of us planted a tree for every person in Zambia, we could make a real difference," he said.

Kanangwa concluded by urging businesses and individuals to adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing that the fight against climate change is critical for the future.

The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change.

Speaking at the Kids' Climate Change Fair, ministry officials emphasized the role of education in fostering climate awareness and action.

“The Ministry supports environmental education to promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Every child must understand climate change, its impact, and how to mitigate it,” a ministry representative stated.

To enhance climate action, the ministry has launched the Climate Ambassadors Program, giving students a platform for leadership. A major initiative includes a tree-planting campaign targeting 10 million trees by 2026.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment reiterated its commitment to integrating climate education into school curricula under the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024.

"Climate change affects everyone, including children," an official stated. "We are promoting renewable energy, waste management, and sustainability practices in schools."

The government has also engaged youth in global climate forums, such as the Conference of Parties (COP), and is working with private sector and academic institutions to advance climate adaptation initiatives.

Officials stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling climate change.

“Our children are change-makers today,” the official stated. “By adopting sustainable practices, they drive positive change in homes, schools, and communities.”

With rising temperatures and extreme weather, the government urges schools and communities to support climate education and sustainability programs.

The Kids' Climate Change Fair reinforced that sustainability starts with awareness, and awareness begins with education.