From young leaders to systems
Young leaders worked with residents, grassroots networks and institutions so their work was both grounded and able to grow.
Individual
- Youth as systemic problem solvers
- Over 30 young leaders grew from project implementers into systems-thinking changemakers, skilled in community engagement, negotiation and navigating bureaucracy.
- Agency and peer influence
- Young leaders were invited to public forums, school assemblies and local governance spaces to share their experience.
Community
- New everyday habits
- Biocomposting with 50+ women-led households in DJ Halli and a plastic-free campaign across 30 wedding halls reached over 15,000 people.
- Access to essential services
- Safe drinking water for 800+ households through well rejuvenation and water units, and climate-resilient farming in drought-prone areas.
Systems
- Institutions at the table
- Agricultural training institutes, municipal authorities, the city water board and local legislators engaged in pilots.
- Replication and public investment
- Green Warriors Against Plastic influenced district-level commitments, and a Bengaluru pilot unlocked over INR 2 million in public and corporate funds.
A century-old well, brought back by young people
In one of Bengaluru's largest informal settlements, home to over 40,000 people, clean water was scarce all year and the open wells had become dumping yards.
- Young leaders found the opportunityThey identified a large community well with real potential to ease the settlement's water crisis.
- The Fund backed them through barriersFlexible funding, a technical water expert, a local partner and a well protection committee helped them navigate weak political will and complex power dynamics.
- The system respondedMunicipal bodies, the water board and the local MLA's office joined in. Over 400 households gained water access.
- The idea spreadOther young leaders revived a second well and a new drinking water unit, reaching 800+ homes, with over INR 2 million in local funds unlocked.
One young leader inspires the next
Each pilot sparks change that other young people facing similar challenges can see and follow. Green Warriors Against Plastic mobilised hundreds of young people from schools, colleges and neighbourhoods, drawing the attention of institutions, media and policymakers.
Game-based climate learning tools have been picked up by young people in many spaces as a favourite way to raise awareness. And the story of one young leader restoring a century-old well inspired others to revive a second well and set up a new water unit.