Young Nigerian Innovators Taking Sustainable Energy Solutions to SXSW EDU 2024
In an inspiring demonstration of young African innovation, three remarkable students from Egba Odeda High School in Nigeria are preparing to showcase their groundbreaking sustainable energy solution at the prestigious SXSW EDU Student Challenge in Austin, Texas this March.
Peter (13), Opeyemi (12), and Raphael (13), under the guidance of their mentor Mr. Ebenezer Anyadiegwu, have developed the SparkWise Initiative—a transformative project focused on sustainable energy solutions. The initiative upcycles and recycles discarded plastic and electronic waste into functional solar-powered household appliances, including torches, blenders, fans, and lanterns. Additionally, they train students and community members in innovative upcycling techniques, electronics repair, and the construction of biogas digesters to generate clean energy for cooking.
Their project addresses the prevalent use of firewood and charcoal, which contributes to deforestation, air pollution, and ozone layer depletion. By providing affordable, renewable energy solutions, they tackle critical community challenges including frequent grid failures and environmental pollution. The initiative also repairs damaged electronics to extend their lifespan, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. Through these efforts, they empower local communities, enhance technical skills, and create a scalable model for sustainable living solutions.
This comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability has already earned them recognition through an SDG-7 Honorable Mention Award in the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners - Young Voices (NGFP-YV) Awards 2024.
The NGFP Awards, established by the School of International Futures (SOIF) invited Teach the Future to partner with them to host the young voices awards which has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young innovators worldwide. Since winning the award in October, these young innovators have deepened their commitment to future-focused leadership as founding members of Teach the Future's Young Voices Council. Since April 2024, they have participated in bi-monthly meetings focused on futures literacy, leadership development, and critical thinking skills. Set to graduate from the program in July 2024, they continue to demonstrate remarkable leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The journey to SXSW EDU represents a unique opportunity for these young innovators to:
Share their vision for sustainable energy solutions with a global audience
Network with international education and technology leaders
Inspire the next generation of African innovators
Represent Nigeria on a prestigious global innovation stage
Thanks to generous support from multiple organizations, including SXSW ($2,500), Digital Promise/Ciena Challenge ($2,500), a Teach the Future Board Member ($2,500), and an Anonymous Donor ($3,000), the project has secured significant funding.
However, an additional $3,000 is still needed to fully cover travel, accommodation, and meals for these brilliant young minds.
Teach the Future is fully committed to supporting these students' participation in this premier educational event as project mentors. To support this request, we are delighted to provide:
Detailed budget breakdown
Project documentation and achievements
Post-event impact reporting commitment For those interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about these young innovators' journey to SXSW EDU, please contact Lisa Giuliani, Co-Executive Director of Teach the Future, at lisa@teachthefuture.org.
Your support will help amplify young African voices in global sustainability discussions and inspire the next generation of innovators across the continent. Join us in making this transformative opportunity possible for these remarkable young changemakers.