Skills for work and life

Winners of the UNESCO-CFIT Green Skills Competition were recognized at the closing ceremony of the UNESCO China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT III) Project in May 2026, which brought together representatives from 12 partner higher education institutions to celebrate the project’s achievements and promote continued collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Implemented by UNESCO-UNEVOC between May and December 2025, the Green Skills Competition formed part of a broader package of activities under the project aimed at strengthening green skills development among students and educators in Africa. During the event, student teams from Senegal and Gabon presented their innovative projects, while the achievements of the Ugandan team were also highlighted.

Competition winners

Senegal

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Innovative agricultural solutions integration plant production, waste management and soil microbiology

Team members: Cheikh Anta Diong, Seynabou Coundoul, Rosette Irampagarikiye

Institution: Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique de Dakar (ESP)

Mentor: Malick Diouara, Teacher-Researcher/ Pedagogical Manager, ESP

Key skill area: Sustainable agriculture and food systems

Team photo during the awarding ceremony in Paris

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Issues addressed: Senegal faces water scarcity, limited arable land, climate-driven yield declines, rapid urbanization, heavy chemical use, and poor recycling infrastructure—threatening agriculture, degrading soils, and undermining environmental sustainability.

Solution: Develop a modern agricultural production model using an experimental greenhouse that is ecologically adaptable to local realities and adopts an integrated system that links several complementary activities to improve production while preserving the environment.

"The project is expected to impact production of healthy market garden produce offering better nutrition and reduced dependence on markets. It will help in empowering women and young people through training in innovative techniques."

Uganda

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Briquette production from water hyacinth biomass

Team members: Kumarwa Cosmas, Niwamanya Simon, Mugume Elvis, Asasiira Collins, Musasizi Anthony

Institution: Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Mentor: Dr Julius B. Lejju, Dean, Faculty of Science, MUST

Key skill area: Water conservation and management

Medard Twinamatsiko accepted the award on behalf of the team

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Issues addressed: River Rwizi in Western Uganda, a vital freshwater source for households, irrigation, and industries, faces severe environmental stress from pollution, land-use changes, and invasive Water Hyacinth covering 45 hectares. This infestation disrupts fishing and irrigation, degrades water quality, raises health risks, and impacts 2,500 households, demanding a sustainable, community-driven solution.

Solution: Introduce a systems-based green innovation that addresses both environmental restoration and livelihood creation by converting water hyacinth biomass into eco-friendly bio-briquettes as a renewable and affordable source of clean energy. These briquettes serve as an alternative to charcoal and firewood, reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.

"The project is unique because it turns a persistent ecological nuisance into a renewable and cleaner energy resource, creating green employment opportunities for youth and women, while promoting circular economy practices and environmental restoration along River Rwizi."

Gabon

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Green school initiative: organic waste, plastic recycling educational project

Team members: Muloko Abadina, Koumba Koumba Romeo, Nzue Mefoe Mendoume, Moussavou Bikoukou L’hee Christ

Institution: Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM)

Mentor: Dr Estelle Dumont, Professor, USTM

Key skill area: Environmental education and advocacy

Team photo during the awarding ceremony in Paris

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Issues addressed: Schools in Gabon face severe waste management and sanitation challenges, with 70% lacking toilets and many existing facilities non-functional. Limited awareness of recycling and composting, combined with high plastic waste generation, underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices and skills development among students.

Solution: Create a Green School initiative that is based on an educational and practical approach aimed at establishing eco-responsible habits in schools. It is structured around three key actions that involve partners in selective waste sorting, composting and reuse of plastic.

"The Green School initiative will have a significant social impact by promoting a culture of shared responsibility within the school community. It will enable students to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly behaviors, while stimulating cooperation between teachers, students, parents, and local stakeholders."

Spotlight on green skills development

During the event, Veronia Jackson, Programme Assistant at UNESCO-UNEVOC, facilitated a session highlighting the outcomes of the green skills activities implemented under the UNESCO-CFIT III Project. These included a needs assessment, a Training of Trainers programme and a microlearning initiative designed to support green skills development across participating institutions.

The session also featured insights from project partner Circulab, represented by Justine Laurent, who emphasized the critical role of green skills in supporting Africa’s circular transition and highlighted the importance of engaging young people through education and project-based learning approaches.

Reflecting on her experience, Seynabou Coundoul from the first-place team noted how the competition broadened her understanding of sustainable agriculture and career opportunities in the sector:

“When I started college, I envisioned my future as a straightforward path: graduate and then find a stable job in my field. Since joining this project, my perspective has changed significantly. Through this project, I discovered the importance of local supply chains, food resilience and urban self-sufficiency.”

The green skills session concluded with an award ceremony, during which students from the winning teams received medals from UNESCO in recognition of their commitment, innovation and dedication throughout the competition. The awards were presented by Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Section for Policy and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO.

Finalists

Find out more about the final projects