Anade Situma, head girl at Clarendon High School, as part of her speech, indicated that conventional methods of engaging the youth ignored the dynamics of the new generation. “Organisations need to speak youth's language and use channels of communication that they can relate to (Facebook, MySpace, mig33 and MXit). We need to change the mindset of the youth that environmental issues are boring, we need to get the youth of the nation excited about the environment and bring home the message of the situation; everyone needs to do their bit. If the approach is changed, the response will be changed - a desire for change needs to be instilled.”
She challenged all organisations to focus their core messaging to looking after the planet, reiterating that if there is no planet there will be no need for their products. Organisations should also look at using alternative means of advertising especially to the youth. Perhaps even consider spending the equivalent of their ad-campaign budget on environmental campaigns as well.
Learners from the Kidd's Beach Primary School also recited a poem urging their peers, parents and companies to look after the environment and provided pertinent tips on how to reduce one's carbon footprint.
The final youth message was: start with something small, every action makes a difference.
For more information on the conference or IWMSA visit www.iwmsa.co.za.
