đ Africa Peace and Environment Summit (APES 2) People – Peace – Planet Yet for generations, humanity has lived in disconnection from natureâtreating the Earth as a separate entity rather
SambaSports Youth Agenda in partnership with the Palladium Group, Vice versa Global, HERI Kenya and many other partners is thrilled to introduce the âZero Plastic Festival,â a three-day extravaganza set to coincide with World Oceans Day on June 8th, 2024.
With a focus on sustainability and ocean conservation, our festival aims to promote responsible tourism, advocate for a plastic-free environment, and showcase Diani Beach as the epitome of cleanliness in Africa.
Background: World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8th, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. It serves as a platform to highlight the beauty, wealth, and importance of oceans while promoting solutions to the challenges they face.
Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, World Oceans Day has evolved into a global movement with events worldwide. This yearâs theme, âProtecting Our Oceans, Protecting Our Future,â underscores the need for immediate action to preserve marine ecosystems, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable ocean management practices. It is a reminder of the oceansâ significance and a call to action for individuals, governments, and organizations to collaborate in safeguarding these vital resources for future generations.
Key Objectives:
Promote Responsible Tourism:
By organizing this festival, we aim to raise awareness about the impact of tourism on the oceans and marine life, encouraging visitors, tour operators and local community to adopt responsible practices as foundational to optimal leisure and comfort during their stay, and a catalyst for more enhanced social and economic outcomes for the blue economy stakeholders at large.
Create a Plastic-Free Environment:
Through education, advocacy, and practical initiatives, we seek to minimize the use of plastic products and promote sustainable alternatives to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and beaches. This will include exhibitions on creative innovations around alternatives to plastics, and plastic recycling products.
Showcase Diani Beach as the Cleanest beach destination in Africa:
By demonstrating our commitment to cleanliness and environmental stewardship, we aim to position Diani Beach as a stellar tourism destination in Africa, shining example of eco-friendly tourism in the region, attracting environmentally-conscious travellers from across the globe.
Conclusion
Through the âZero Plastic Festival, Samba Sports Youth Agenda and partners endeavor to not only raise awareness about oceanic issues but also inspire tangible action towards building a more sustainable and resilient future for our planetâs oceans.
Join us in celebrating World Oceans Day and making a meaningful difference in the health of our oceans!
Imagine pristine beaches, vibrant communities, and a thriving ecosystem. With your support, we aim to turn this vision into reality by organizing the Diani Beach Zero Plastic Festival.
As we gather to commemorate World Oceans Day, we seek to do more than just mark the occasion; we strive to make a tangible impact.
By joining hands with us, you will not only play a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism but also in fostering a plastic-free environment.
Your contribution will directly fund the above budget and aid in the acquisition of essential cleaning equipment such as wheelbarrows, rakes, pangas, slashers, and other tools vital for our ongoing clean-up efforts.
Together, letâs showcase Diani Beach as a shining example of environmental stewardship, a beacon of hope for Africa and beyond. Your involvement will not only make a difference today but will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Director Nsinazo Waraka is a Dynamic, Detail-oriented and Collaborative professional with broad experience in Senior strategic leadership and advisory roles.
Holding a Master of Science Degree, Development Finance, from University of Reading, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Sociology, Na. Nsinazo brings to the board a wealth of unbeatable experience in financial management and audit, policy analysis, strategic leadership as well as a passion for women empowerment.
Having worked for more than a decade at the Central Bank of Kenya, and managing a Media institution currently, SambaSports is safer in relation to tenets of financial accountability, PR and strategic visibility.
Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera is the current Director, Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure, at the Coast Development Authority.
A firm but soft spoken Motivational Speaker, Dr. Mwanasiti holds a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Ecology, from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
She also holds a Masters Degree, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, from Egerton University.
Being a local girl, born and raised in Kwale County, Msambweni area, It is utter magical to have Dr. Siti in the board, as she signifies triumph from the perception that coastal people, especially girls, either don’t value education or just don’t do well. Studying Chemistry to a PhD level for a local girl is beyond pride, …it is testament to the fact that Impossible is an illusion.
Holding a Masters Degree in Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University, and a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Human Resources), Director Norah brings onboard an oversight capacity on the management aspect of the organization, particularly on Staff Welfare and wellness.
Director Norah works as a Human Resources officer for Teachers Service Commission, and she has achieved so much in terms of organizing the work force, capacity building and motivation of human resources.
Aside from her core work, Ms. Norah is an avid champion of Girls and Women Empowerment, which is a core pillar of our work at SambaSports Youth Agenda. To that end, she founded Nahugombe CBO, which is the platform she uses to engage girls and young women in Kinango, through Life Skills trainings and other strategic initiatives to prevent Sexual and Gender Based Violence, especially focusing on preventing Teenage Pregnancies in Kinango Sub county.
Director Joria Sudi is a Program management expert, with at least 10 years of experience, managing projects at high levels, on behalf of a host of reputed international organizations.
Holding a Masters Degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Director Joria brings a wealth of expertise to the board, in terms of program planning, management and oversight.
As if that wasn’t top drawer enough, Director is finalizing her Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Amani Counseling and Training Institute, to augment her authority in the current dynamic spheres of program management, where the Globe is keen on Mental Wellness.
For @SambaSports Youth Agenda, Mental Wellness, community care and relational well-being are foundational to all our projects, therefore, it is well fitting to have oversight personnel that appreciate and influence that aspect of our work.
Part of her great work has been appreciated at Forum for International Cooperation where she has steadily grown through the ranks since 2013, Chemonics International Inc., Kwetu Training Centre, Kwetu Training Centre, and many more.
Director Nick is a tested and proven management consultant, thriving in the banking sector as an award winning Sales Manager over a span of 16 years.
Winning annual Sales awards at Barclays Bank (2009), Barclays Bank (2010), NIC Bank (2013), and Chase Bank (2015), Director Nick has been a proven force in his management duties at the highest levels in banking, something that he brings to the table at SambaSports.
Apart from sales management, Director Nick thrived as a Relationship Manager at Housing Finance Limited, bringing on board top leaders and influencers to the bank during his tenure.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa, and Bachelors of Business Management from Mount Kenya University, Nairobi, Director Nick is not just a management consultant, but also an avid community engager, passionate contributor to Youth empowerment initiatives.
For SambaSports to have Director Nick sit on the Board is a massive win, and a catalyst for transformative attitude cultivation in our programs.
Director Juma Nassoro is an astute Community Program management expert, with at least 8 years of project management experience with reputed organizations, across the coastal region of Kenya.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Nairobi, Director Juma exudes skills and significant capacity matrix in the field of Environmental management, Climate Action, Agriculture, Mental Health, ICT, Data & Analytics, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.
Over the last 8 years, Director Juma has left legacies from his Management roles at National Cohesion and Integration Commission (Community Policing Trainer), KEMRI ( Tumikia Project), Global Trauma Project, and currently Program Manager at HERI-Kenya ( Health & Environmental Research Institute.
Director Juma brings dynamism, passion and a lens of diversity to SambaSports Youth Agenda.
Mariam has a background in Community Development and Social Work. She is a trained Mediator and Trauma Counselor. Mariam is a ToT on Value-Based Education and an ambassador to Young Cities. She shares a considerable amount of experience in her work with the community playing various roles as Girl Child mentor, Trauma Counselor for youths and adolescents, and mediating. Mariam is a long-serving Project Assistant for the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction project. She shares the unending passion for community service also traveling and socializing describe her best interests.