Nestled in the rolling hills of Ubaté, Colombia, the Institute for the Conservation of Agricultural Materials (ICAM) has become a surprising hotspot for youth-led climate innovation. Once on the brink of high school dropouts, a team of students is now shaping sustainable solutions that ripple across their rural community.
Faced with limited resources, the ICAM class turned to hands-on research:
- Water Purification Lab: Students designed a low-cost filter using local materials, slashing contaminants by 80% and providing clean water to 150 households.
- Solar Radiation Study: By measuring sunlight patterns, the team is optimizing solar panels for community buildings, boosting energy efficiency by 30%.
- Community Workshops: Monthly sessions have engaged over 200 residents in eco-friendly practices, from composting to tree planting.
These projects didn’t just keep kids in school—they catapulted ICAM onto the global stage. Out of thousands of submissions worldwide, the team has been named a finalist for the World's Best School Prize. Judges praised the students’ blend of creativity, science and social impact.
A Blueprint for Global Youth Climate Action
In an era where young voices drive change, the Ubaté class offers a replicable model. They harness local challenges—like water scarcity and limited electricity—to develop solutions with measurable outcomes. Their success underscores a key insight: empowering communities at the grassroots can spark innovations with far-reaching impact.
As the finalists gear up for the final round in September, their journey amplifies a universal message: when young changemakers are given tools and trust, even the most remote classrooms can become laboratories of global progress.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
