Kick4Life’s Communications and Marketing Officer, Lerotholi Phatela, writes about the new vision of Kick4Life’s Climate Actin Group.
Kick4Life’s Climate Action Group has launched a new vision which reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to addressing the urgent realities of climate change while empowering communities to take meaningful action. The vision aims to build a holistic, sustainable approach that goes beyond environmental concerns, embracing social equity, mental health, and resilience as key parts of the fight for a greener future.
At its core, the Climate Action Group is driven by the mission to empower staff, volunteers, interns, participants, and guests to act on climate change and build a sustainable future together. Guided by the powerful slogan “Save the Earth today to survive and thrive tomorrow,” the initiative embodies Kick4Life’s belief that small, collective steps can create lasting global impact. Its vision is ambitious yet necessary: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change, and contribute to the eradication of poverty.
The Climate Action Group is designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful climate action. It combines education, advocacy, and practical interventions to inspire real change, both within the Kick4Life community and across Lesotho. Regular school visits, graduation events, and social media campaigns amplify climate awareness, while partnerships with like-minded local and international organisations will help share knowledge and expand the group’s reach.
In-house, the initiative prioritises structured monthly trainings, equipping staff, volunteers, and participants with the knowledge and tools to adopt climate-smart practices in both their professional and personal lives. Young people will play a central role through a dedicated Climate Stewardship Club, where they will gain not only climate education but also leadership skills to spearhead projects within their communities.
The Climate Action Group will roll out practical strategies to reduce Kick4Life’s environmental footprint. These include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, exploring renewable energy alternatives, promoting water-saving behaviours, and adopting eco-friendly waste management practices such as recycling and composting. By sourcing locally and sustainably, the group will also encourage environmentally responsible procurement while supporting sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
Furthermore, the group recognises the complex ways climate change interacts with other social challenges. Awareness campaigns highlight the link between resource scarcity and gender-based violence, while partnerships with GBV response organisations aim to integrate climate resilience into protection and prevention services. The programme also provides psychosocial support to those grappling with climate-related grief, stress, or trauma, ensuring that emotional wellbeing remains part of the sustainability conversation.
Environmental stewardship is not just about responding to today’s challenges, it is about shaping tomorrow’s leaders. As part of its expanded vision, the Climate Action Group will work with children and young people to instil a deep sense of responsibility for nature through quarterly trainings, child-friendly climate clubs, and biodiversity awareness activities. From planting native species to creating habitats for local wildlife, participants will be encouraged to connect with their environment in tangible and inspiring ways.
Kick4Life will ensure that progress is not only felt but also measured. The Climate Action Group will monitor its impact by tracking the number of people reached, the trainings held, and the partnerships built. Energy audits, focus groups, and case studies will help assess how much knowledge is being retained and how behaviour is shifting towards more climate-conscious practices. This commitment to accountability will allow the group to refine its approach and continuously expand its impact.
Through its new vision, the Climate Action Group reaffirms Kick4Life’s role as a leader in integrating sport, community development, and environmental stewardship. By combining grassroots action with global awareness, it creates a model for how organisations can drive meaningful change in their communities while contributing to a worldwide movement for sustainability.
Together, we can save the Earth today, so that we may all survive and thrive tomorrow. “Think Global, Act Local.”
