KIGALI, Rwanda — On Friday, August 17, 2024, Brig. Paul Kahuria Njema, Director of the Eastern African Standby Force (EASF), officially launched the Green Champions Initiative in conjunction with Youth Day celebrations in Rwanda's capital.

The initiative designed to encourage meaningful youth involvement in peacebuilding and environmental programs across all EASF member states.Brig. Njema emphasized the significance of the event and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Arts of Rwanda for the invitation. He remarked, “International Youth Day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the incredible potential of young people. I am particularly proud to address the vibrant youth of the region.”

During the week leading up to the launch, thirty young leaders from EASF member states, including Rwanda, mobilized to participate in voluntary activities at the Mahama Refugee Camp. Collaborating with a hundred youth from the camp, they achieved remarkable results through coordinated efforts.

The Green Champions constructed four shelters capable of housing over thirty refugees. Additionally, their work at the camp's tree nursery will facilitate the preparation of at least 2,700 new seedlings for a reforestation campaign.

Brig. Njema highlighted EASF's collaboration with the African Union under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Programme, which is supported by the European Union. He noted that several "Youth for Peace" activities have been conducted recently, including the Cross-Border Initiative that concluded on August 16 in Kirehe District.

On August 17, the Green Champions also visited the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, drawing inspiration from Rwanda's journey toward peace and reconciliation following its tragic past. This visit underscored the initiative's commitment to learning from history as they work towards a more sustainable future.