How I started Building a Platform for Environmental and Climate Justice at 14!
Not-For-Profit
Nigeria
14 Years
Hi, I’m Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton, 14 years old from Rivers State, Nigeria. My company’s name is Egalitarianism for Earth and we officially started in March 2024.
Egalitarianism for Earth is a youth-led organisation dedicated to raising awareness about anthropogenic climate change and other sorts of environmental degradations, climate inaction & illiteracy as well as developing mitigation strategies that tackle this problem faced today. We believe in the principle of Egalitarianism For Earth which states that we can not achieve any form of social justice without tackling the problem of environmental injustice and insecurity.
What inspired you to start your own business?
The main reason that I started this organization is because of my passion and belief that nature has been kind to us so we should reciprocate that love. Witnessing the harsh environmental reality faced by the indigenous people of Rivers State, I couldn't keep silent and decided to be the change I wish to see in the world as Mahatma Gandhi said.
How did you go from idea to product? Take us through your process of starting and building your business.
I embarked on a rigorous process, as I was the sole founder of an organization aimed at serving the public and fostering action.
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Firstly, I had everything well-planned out - a good plan is, after all, the best beginning.
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I structured the organization's aims and missions to contribute to the 2030 agenda and support the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, and 15.
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I devised creative ways to engage the public and conducted thorough research to ensure a thorough understanding of my target audience, community needs, resources, strategies, and other essential factors for creating a successful organization.
After planning, I decided to establish the organization online to reach a broader audience and foster justice.
Understanding the importance of creating a name that symbolizes the organization's beliefs, principles, aims, missions, vision, and objectives, I conducted further research before finally deciding on 'Egalitarianism For Earth,' which symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living creatures and justice.
On March 16th, I created my first Instagram post, introducing E.F.E to the world!
How did you grow your business? And get your first customers?
Creativity is the basic unit of any start-up and also the way of retaining and attracting the audience. I wasn't much worried about this and just kept being persistent and raising awareness. Regular posting animations, infographics and making sure I understood who my target audience were. This was how I could reach over 23,800 individuals from the US, Philippines and Nigeria as well as 200 + students in Rivers State, Nigeria.
How are you funding your startup?
We are a not for profit organisation. Currently we are not generating any revenue but will start soon. We are planning to get money through crowdfunding, sponsorship and partnership with other organisations and grants. We do not aim to make our programs paid, so that they can be easily accessed by young individuals despite social economic status.
What are the lessons you have learned?
It doesn't matter how you start but how you finish the race. I've got to learn that no matter how simple or small my idea is, it's impact is capable of creating a rippled effect and shaping the world.
What advice do you have for budding founders?
Don't listen to what people say about your idea being not good or not capable of creating impact, always look at the bright side of everything and keep being persistent because change begins with you!