On 03–04 July 2026, POP Initiative Mentor Happy Mbewe conducted a two-day YouthCAN activity at Zumulu Primary School, Machinga, Malawi, bringing together 24 participants for an intergenerational dialogue on climate leadership.

The activity connected youth and elders, creating a space where young people could learn from the lived experiences and historical knowledge of elders, while elders explored the innovative and technology-driven solutions emerging from today’s youth.

Using a Joint Problem-Solving Canvas, participants worked together to identify and address local climate challenges. While elders contributed historical context and risk assessment, young people brought creative ideas and fresh momentum.

The two generations jointly developed a six-month action plan to address deforestation in their community. The initiative strengthened trust, collaboration and shared leadership between youth and elders, demonstrating the power of combining experience with innovation to build climate-resilient communities.