Coming from an area once blessed with abundant natural resources, Halimah Mohamed a 20-year-old lady, was triggered by the stark transformations caused by desertification, climate change and environmental issues in her home region Tana River, turning it into a semi-arid landscape.
The climate change effects in her community near the Tana River shaped her environmental consciousness prompting her to take action.
“I grew up seeing beautiful scenery of the Tana River that had Aquatic animals such as hippopotamus and crocodiles that attracted tourists, but the area has become susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts, flooding, and deforestation,” Halimah said in an interview.
“I was naturally drawn to Nature and the environment because of where I came from,” Halimah said.
Growing up in a humble background, at the age of 15, Halimah made the decision to change her home and the community at large.
“I started planting trees in my school compound that is in primary school. From then, I was appointed to be a Captain of the Environmental club, where we used to clean and collect litter around the compound and plant trees, and the purpose of the club was to take climate actions,” she said.
Academic Journey of Halimah
In 2018, Halimah was among the top Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) students from Tana River County. By then, the young Halimah was already aware that her destiny was to be an environmentalist.
“I managed to score 350 marks in my KCPE exam from Kipao Primary, it was not a walk in the park despite coming from such a minority community,” Halimah remarked.
She later got a sponsorship from M-Pesa Foundation that supported her high school academic journey. Being in an International Baccalaureate system, she still managed to outshine other international students.
She took Land-Based Agriculture as her Career Subject that was in line with what she wanted to be in the future -that is to be an Environmentalist and Activists for Climate Change.
“I was among the top students who scored a double distinction that made Mpesa Foundation to continue sponsoring my academics in University,” she said.
Halimah is currently pursuing a course in Environmental Science at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Environmental Achievements
While in high school, Halima joined the international movement of scouting. She was the head of Flora and Fauna at the time.
“I was the head of Flora and Fauna and have earned the esteemed World Badge, alongside other badges, such as drug abuse training, Social media training which has provided me with a deep understanding of contemporary issues like drug abuse and has reinforced my discipline,” she remarked.
As part of her channels of raising awareness on environmental conservation, Halimah has a blog where she encourages others to join the force to conserve the environment.
“My efforts to raise environmental awareness through my blog have garnered significant attention worldwide, encouraging others to join in the cause,” she said.
Peer Influence
Apart from a personal effort to protect the environment, she has successfully inspired peers like Hussein Galgalo, a 17-year-old environmentalist and founder of EnviroEclat Movement currently studying at Mpesa Foundation Academy who comes from the same community as Halimah.
Galgalo was inspired to become passionate on addressing global environmental challenges through Halimah’s initiatives.
“I believe age is not the barrier to the transformation that the planet needs. I will continue championing for the Environment and humanity at large,” Hussein said in a past interview.
Hussein is an award award-winning athlete and participates in short distance-running competitions. He uses these opportunities to advocate for environmental awareness by creatively writing environmental messages on his sporting attire.
“I wear green T-shirts when racing with climate change and conversation slogans. Every race I compete in becomes an opportunity for me to showcase my dedication to the environment,” he stated.
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According to Ndinda Maithya, Country Engagement Manager Voice for Climate Action, Hivos East Africa, the youth play a significant role in environmental conservation efforts. However, their efforts are rarely appreciated and noticed.
“Even though the youths are the majority, their untapped energy goes to waste each year: – creativity, productivity, excitement for new initiatives and time,” Ndinda said in an interview.
“Involving and letting the Youth co-create climate solutions will hasten to reverse the negative climate impacts in our society,” she added.
Challenges of Being a Young Environmentalist
Despite showing her academic success, Halimah never received the support to pursue a career in relation to the environment.
“My love for the environment made me go against my close friends and some family members. They wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor,” she explained.
“They will always say that I will eventually give up on the environment because many people have tried but they have not succeeded,” Halimah said emotionally.
In response to a question on how youth can overcome negativity, Ndinda Maithya encourages young people to showcase their ideas to the world since white collar spaces have become fewer.
“Many view the youths as untrustworthy group, give them the chance just like Halima and see them do magic,” Ndinda remarked.
“Trust the Youths and let them lead in the space,” Ndinda added.
“Tana River just like other ASALs encounters huge climate disasters and leading to degradation of the environment, these lead to scarcity of food for humans and pasture for animals, increased conflict and loss of lives. Youth energy should be tapped to grow climateprenures in the region,” Ndinda further advised.
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Inspired by the late Professor Wangari Maathai, Halimah acknowledges the profound impact the Nobel Laurate had on the environmental advocacy space, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of activists.
“Young people are the future of the next generation; therefore, they play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future,” Halimah concluded.
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