Marking World Environment Day

On June 5, World Environment Day reminded us of something important: kids aren’t just victims of a changing environment anymore, they’re becoming leaders.

Take seven-year-old Marren Akeyo Okoth. After finishing as the runner-up in Tiny Miss Bondo, she decided to use her new platform for a greater cause. As a lively member of the Kisumu Multi Talent Academy (Miss KIMUTA) and a student at Kisumu Junior Academy, she now uses modelling to speak out about climate change and the importance of protecting our environment. Marren inspires others by showing them what’s possible.

This year, World Environment Day focused on ending plastic pollution. Marren truly embodies this mission. Her favourite spot is Impact Smart Solution’s demo farm, located near her home. There, she spends hours planting, weeding, and learning about sustainable farming.

For Marren, it’s not just about growing food, it’s about growing hope. She’s even come up with a clever way to use plastic bottles for farming, turning trash into something useful. Often, she brings her friends to the farm, teaching them everything she knows. She proves that even young children can help protect our planet, especially by finding smart ways to deal with plastic waste.

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World Environment Day isn’t just about individuals; it also encourages governments to make significant changes and to educate people about environmental issues. Over 150 countries celebrate the day with clean-up efforts, tree planting, awareness campaigns, school events, and pledges to help the Earth. Marren’s actions align perfectly with this global movement.

“I want to show other children that our environment is our future,” Marren says with conviction. “Every plastic bottle we reuse, every tree we plant, makes a difference. We can’t just wait for others; we have to be the change ourselves.”

Even though her hands are small, Marren’s impact is huge. Whether she’s planting trees, farming with recycled plastic, or modelling to promote environmental care, Marren Akeyo Okoth is living proof that you’re never too young to help change the world and to join the crucial fight against plastic pollution.