Dordrecht High Grade 9 Learner Speaks Out on Climate Change

A Grade 9 learner from Dordrecht High School is stepping forward to promote environmental awareness among her peers after participating in a youth leadership programme focused on climate action and community change.

Karabo Sethathi recently attended the Masifunde Changemaker Training, facilitated by the iZwi Mentorship Hub in Indwe, which aims to equip young people with knowledge and leadership skills to become active changemakers in their schools and communities.

The programme introduced learners to key global environmental challenges, including climate change and global warming, and encouraged participants to reflect on how these issues affect their daily lives and local environments.

Speaking about her experience, Sethathi said the training helped her better understand how human activities contribute to environmental damage and why protecting the planet has become an urgent responsibility.

“During the training, I learned what causes climate change,” she said. “We were taught that human activities, like burning coal and other harmful practices, are damaging our planet. Climate change is detrimental to Mother Earth, and it is our responsibility to protect her.”

Awareness Starts at School

Through the training sessions, Sethathi began to notice environmental issues closer to home, particularly littering in and around her school.

She explained that the programme helped her realise how everyday habits, such as disposing of waste irresponsibly, can contribute to wider environmental harm.

“Seeing how small actions like throwing away plastic or waste can harm the environment made me realise that change starts with us,” she said.

The experience motivated her to learn more about climate change and explore practical ways learners can help reduce environmental damage within their communities.

Encouraging Learner-Led Change

Sethathi said she hopes to encourage fellow learners at Dordrecht High to become more active in protecting the environment, starting with simple initiatives such as reducing littering and raising awareness about climate change.

She emphasised that young people have an important role to play in shaping a more sustainable future.

“I am committed and enthusiastic to support learner-led activities in my school for the protection of our environment,” she said.

Her message to other learners is simple but powerful: “Why not you? Why not now?”

Youth Leadership and Community Impact

Programmes such as the Masifunde Changemaker Training are designed to empower young people with knowledge and leadership skills that can translate into positive change within schools and communities.

By encouraging learners to take ownership of issues such as environmental protection, organisers hope to build a new generation of community leaders who are aware of global challenges and motivated to address them locally.

For Sethathi, the training has already sparked a commitment to make a difference, beginning with small but meaningful actions at her school.