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Jastin Maile, a DOT Climate Ambassador from Tanzania, shared with us last year how Participatory Action Research (PAR) is unlocking the power of community-led solutions to climate challenges. Today, we revisit Jastin’s journey, this time through Eco-Vusha, a youth-led climate initiative that is redefining sustainability and social impact in Arusha.

“Eco-Vusha”, a name born from the fusion of “eco” (ecology) and the Swahili word “vusha” (to move forward), represents a bold step toward environmental transformation. Co-founded by Jastin after his experience in DOT’s Climate program, Eco-Vusha tackles two urgent issues: plastic pollution and youth unemployment. Its mission is clear: raise climate awareness and generate real-world solutions by turning waste into value.The project made its debut on April 16, 2025, at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), where Jastin and his team installed five plastic collection bins. Eco-Vusha is more than a recycling project, it is a community movement that empowers youth, inspires innovation, and creates green livelihoods.

Jastin credits DOT’s Youth-led Community Awareness and Action program, supported by the Cisco Foundation, with equipping him to lead this charge. “Being a DOT Climate Champion completely shaped how I think and act as a changemaker,” he shares. “I gained practical knowledge about climate change, sustainability, and how community behaviour contributes to environmental challenges.”

The skills he gained allowed him to co-create solutions and take the charge. “I stopped seeing myself as just someone with ideas. I began seeing myself as someone with the power and responsibility to lead change.” he says.

What’s Next for Eco-Vusha?

Jastin envisions a network of Eco-Vusha hubs across Tanzania, especially in schools and youth centers. He dreams of building a green enterprise where young people can co-learn, co-create, and co-lead climate action initiatives that are both scalable and sustainable.

His advice to other youth in the DOT network is powerful:

“Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait to be perfect or for everything to be in place. Be bold, collaborate, and most importantly, stay connected to your community. The real power of environmental change lies in empowering others and showing them that sustainability is not just a cause, it’s a lifestyle and a future we build together.”