While most children were running around outside enjoying the naivety that comes with childhood, Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun tested her curiosity and began her journey to becoming East Africa’s Youngest Climate Change Ambassador.
At age 4, Ellyanne spotted a seedling shop and was encouraged by her mother to “take this seed and plant it”. Her career as an activist began shortly after, and now at age 11 has planted 1.3 million trees across Africa. She has won numerous awards, such as the Eco Warrior Award in 2018 and the Little Einstein Leader in 2020. She is also the Founder of Children with Nature.
With such success already, this young activist has not stopped. Her ambitions include her desire to plant Bamboo and Acacia trees across Africa and eventually study Environmental Law and become an Environmental Judge.
Such ambition comes with its challenges, along with the need and ability to maturely face bullying and other hate comments she has found through the likes of social media and other platforms. Ellyanne states that “the hate has literally lifted me up” and that you need to “take that hate and turn it into power”; both of which she intends to do as she continues her goal “to make the world a better place for everyone” and “make Africa the green continent under the sun”.
The beauty in being an environmentalist at such a young age is the ability to incorporate her love for trees in a manner filled with characteristic childlike wonder. This is apparent when she speaks of her love for climbing, sleeping and hanging in trees “like a monkey”, especially in one of her favourites – mango trees.
Learn more about Ellyanne and her question to encourage Rotary to extend their humanitarian focus to include more support for the environment by viewing her contribution at the recent Rotary Africa Centennial event.
