Twenty-six youth groups have been selected by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to participate in Round 2 of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, joining 90 cities across five continents.

In all, 54 proposals were received from groups of youngsters aged 15-24 aiming to address climate change in Kumasi head-on.

With their innovative ideas outlined in their proposals, they will access microgrants via Bloomberg Philanthropies ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Some of the selected projects include smoke-detector alerts, smart dustbins for efficient waste management, eco-friendly plantain fibre packaging for a sustainable future, and plastic upcycling and sustainable briquettes production.

After the launch of YCAF Phase 2 on Tuesday, April 22, the selected groups have six months to complete their projects, and upon successful execution, the KMA could qualify for another round of the fund from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Presenting certificates to beneficiaries to commence the projects, the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, said he was committed to the climate change campaign and implored the youth groups to work diligently within the time frame to make him proud.

He mentioned that with collective effort, the KMA could qualify for the third phase when Bloomberg Philanthropies opens another opportunity for the fund.

He urged the groups to make judicious use of the fund, reminding them that a team would monitor to ensure they were doing things right.

Miss Rhodaline Asare Odame, lead person for Earth Guardians, thanked the KMA and Bloomberg Philanthropies on behalf of the recipients for the financial support, promising to make good use of it.

BY Thomas Awuah-Asem 

Kumasi