Government has applauded the Green Innovation Hub (GiHUB) for fostering a sense of environmental responsibility for youth as it helps them to recognise that the environment is a good source of livelihood.
Speaking at the SNV Netherlands Green Innovations Hub (GiHub) Phase II award ceremony were 15 youths walked away with grants of $5000 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Of Youth, Sport, Art and recreation, Prince Mupazviriho, said the innovations were in line with the National Youth Policy whose, among other objectives, seeks to provide opportunities for youth employment initiatives.
“Our National Youth Policy seeks to provide opportunities for youth employment initiatives and to promote environmental education and active youth participation in environmental conservation. The Green Innovations Hub Phase II Project is, therefore, a strategy through which these objectives can be achieved.
“The Green Innovations Hub Phase II Project is, therefore, a strategy through which these objectives can be achieved,” said Perm Sec Prince Mupazviriho”
“The programme facilitates full economic empowerment of our youth as it provides an incubation space that will stimulate social change through young people developing creative solutions that can contribute to sustainable development and economic growth,” he said.
He further stated that the GiHub also complements the Sustainable Development Goal number 8 which calls for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
Under the program, more than 1000 applicants were received from young people across the country. However, 15 finalists were chosen and were each given $5000 grants for the implementation of their innovative ideas.
Takunda Chin’onzo, the founder of Eden Research, an innovation hub that recycles organic waste, walked away with the top innovation award after his organisation’s project was adjudged to be the most creative.
Other innovations were from other sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and efficiency, water and sanitation, waste management and other.
The grant recipients are expected to take keen interests and participate in conserving the environment.
SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation, working in Agriculture, Energy, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
