Charities in Northern Ireland secure grants to inspire youth climate action initiatives

Diverse Youth NI (DYNI) engages young people, primarily from BAME communities, including asylum seekers and refugees, through programs on digital literacy, mental health, and leadership.

The funding will support its Sustainable Youth project, engaging 50 young people from North and South Belfast in hands-on environmentally focused activities.

Using the Sustainable Youth framework, DYNI will empower participants to lead climate action through educational workshops, digital tools and project-based learning. The initiative will address immediate educational needs and foster long-term empowerment, integrating community feedback and mentorship. 

Dr Prince Okorie, Operations Manager at Diverse Youth NI said:

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Youth Climate Action Fund. It will significantly enhance our efforts to equip young people with the skills and motivation needed to make a positive impact on our environment.” 

Abhinov Shyju, a participant in DYNI’s Sustainable Youth project said:

“Being part of this project is a fantastic opportunity to learn about climate action and to make a real difference in our community. I am excited to see the impact we can achieve together.” 

Politics in Action helps young people to achieve social change on issues that matter to them.

The funding will support young people from Divis, Lower Shankill and across Northern Ireland exploring the impacts of climate change on their communities. 

Politics in Action will use their ‘Civic Youth Work’ model to adapt the Environment and Sustainability Curriculum. This model is delivered in partnership with St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Club and Townsend Street Outreach Centre.

This will support young people to campaign on environmental issues in their communities and across Northern Ireland. It will also help bring these issues to politicians and others to press for action.  

Paul Smyth, Executive Director at Politics in Action, said:

“We are so delighted to receive this funding and are looking forward to working with Ulster Wildlife, the Energy Saving Trust Foundation and others to support young people to bring their concerns and ideas about climate change to those in positions of power. 

“The fund has arrived at a key moment where we are working to amplify the ‘action’ component of what we do, and to move our work beyond schools to community settings.” 

Belfast based Swift Hearers Youth supports the enlightenment and empowerment of young people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. This support helps them fulfil their potential in their communities and beyond.

It will use the grant to expand a project designed and delivered by young people to raise climate change awareness through engaging, educational activities.

The project will involve community outreach, partnering with local businesses and organisations with the aim of fostering a wider commitment to environmental sustainability.

Esther Yemmy Ogunleye, Project and Communications Lead at Swift Hearers Youth, said:

“I am excited to see the change and growth the Youth Climate Fund will bring to the growth and development of young people. This is a great opportunity for them to engage in climate issues and take leadership roles in their communities.” 

One of the young people it works with said:

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Youth Climate Change Fund programme which gives us the chance to lead, learn, and make a real difference in our community on climate change issues.”