Standard Chartered Bank Uganda in partnership with Ecotrust have launched a $18,565 (Shs 69 million) climate change innovation challenge to inspire secondary school students in Kampala come up with solutions to environmental issues.
The challenge is one of the bank’s long month planned environmental initiatives. The challenge's core objective is to further advance the bank’s bold stand of 'Accelerating Net Zero' emissions.
According to a statement from the bank, five innovative proposals from students in Kampala Metropolitan Area will each be funded to a tune of $1,000 to implement the ideas.
The bank will also partner with Buhimba Farmer’s Union under the employee volunteering programme in the implementation of a tree cover restoration project for small holder farmers in Kikuube district.
Margaret Kigozi the Head, Corporate Affairs Brand and Marketing of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said the youth are an important constituency in the conservation of biodiversity and have a huge impact on it.
"They are energetic, technology-savvy, constantly evolving, oriented to problem-solving and often propagate active consumerism. Their strong comprehension on sustainability which advocates for reduction in footprints and improved quality of life across sectors and industries is essential for the future," she said.
The Lead Forest Officer in the ministry of Water and Environment, Bob Kazungu commended the Bank and its partners for this initiative.
"I appeal to various communities to all play a role in solving this issue by first and foremost changing their mindset towards environmental conservation by proactively planting trees at every opportunity and changing their impact on the environment by for instance using alternative fuels that don’t require tree cutting as well as adopting environmentally friendly behaviours and options. Together I am certain we shall navigate the various devastating climate change challenges we experience today," Kazungu said.
Participation Process;
- Invitations to participate in the Climate Change Innovation Challenge will be sent out to at least 30 (thirty) schools within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
- The participating students are expected to develop a solution to an environmental issue affecting their school or community. The students report on the problem and their proposed solution through a clear "action plan" and an itemised budget in line with the activities set in the proposal.
- Students are strongly encouraged to work in teams.
- The proposals are to be submitted via email to [email protected] by 5 pm on the 3rd of July 2022 in advance of the final pitching by 10 shortlisted schools to be held on 8th of July 2022.
- The shortlisted school - teams will be invited to the pitching event and will be given 10 minutes to present their action plans In front of a panel of judges.
- The winning ideas will be recognised and awarded at the event on 8th July 2022. The top 5 winners will each receive $ 1000 whilst the other participants will also walk away with gifts courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda.
