The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), through its Tropical Research Centre for
Oceanography, Environment, Science, and Natural Resources (TROCEN), in partnership with
the KOICA-NGO Overseas Volunteer Dispatch Program (Climate Environment) Volunteers,
launched the Environmental Journalism Team project on July 23, 2025 at the TROCEN
conference hall to raise awareness of local environmental challenges and promote youth-led
sustainable action by conducting a training session for selected SUZA students to prepare them
for active participation in the initiative.
The session was led by Dr. Marry Mtumwa Khatib, Head of TROCEN and Program Director of
the Zanzibar Youth Marine Environmental Journalism initiative, alongside Ms. Seol Choi, Ms.
Hyewon Chang, and Ms. Seohyun Lee, volunteers.
Participants in the Zanzibar Youth Marine Environmental Journalism Project training session
From the pool of participating students, the project will select ten student journalists to take part
in a nine-week intensive program centered on marine environmental issues. This hands-on
initiative will encompass environmental education, fieldwork, article writing, and media content
production, all designed to empower youth voices and drive meaningful change within the local
community.
This project seeks to deepen youth awareness of environmental issues and lay the groundwork
for them to become proactive leaders in driving positive change within their communities.
The KOICA-NGO Overseas Volunteer Dispatch Program (Climate Environment) is implemented
by the Korea International Development Cooperation Center (KIDC) under the commission of
the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The program aims to strengthen partner
countries’ capacity to respond to climate change, support the development of sustainable green
infrastructure, and cultivate climate and environmental professionals, promoting green recovery
in developing countries affected by climate change and enhancing international cooperation on
climate action.