Planeteer Alliance Powers 15 Youth-led Water Meetups Across the World in June 2026

Watch the video above to see some amazing moments from our 2026 WATER Meetups.

This June, Planeteer Alliance powered 15 youth-led Meetups focused on the WATER element—gathering 243 young people across Kenya, Nigeria, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Gambia.

The WATER element focuses on centering the importance of our oceans, lakes and coastal wetland systems. Planeteers tackling WATER-related issues work to protect the health of water bodies and advocate for access to clean water for every community.

“Protecting water is everyone’s responsibility because clean water is essential for our health and livelihoods,” said first-time WATER Meetup host Jean Claude Nizeyimana of Ngoma, Rwanda.

Across all WATER Meetups, hosts and their participants restored aquatic habitats, diverted waste from bodies of water, reduced water usage, and pledged to protect local bodies of water. See the impact here:

Over 2,200 kg of waste diverted from bodies of water and surrounding aquatic areas. This waste included plastic, textile waste, food waste, bottles, and other debris.
56 bamboo seedlings planted along 1.5km of riverbank.
29 pledges to reduce water consumption.
16 participants in Lagos, Nigeria reduced water usage by 50 L following their WATER Meetup

Participants at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, hosted by Nanpyal Selkur Jor, pose proudly after having a drainage cleanup.

CAMEROON

Mbah Ngum Calixte hosted his Meetup that addressed water pollution caused by improper waste disposal in the Ndongo River, which threatens water quality, public health, and marine life.

The Meetup tackled the problem by removing waste from the river and educating participants on the importance of proper waste disposal, the link between river and ocean pollution, and how individual actions can protect water resources and marine life.

Not only did the participants of this Meetup learn a great deal, the host, Mbah, learned the value of community collaboration, environmental education, and teamwork in driving environmental action and protecting water systems.

“The Meetup showed that when young people and partners work together, change is possible,” said Mbah Ngum Calixte when reflecting on his WATER Meetup.

Mbah Ngum Calixte led a cleanup exercise at the Ndongo River in Cameroon, that helped educate fellow youth about proper waste disposal practices.

THE GAMBIA

In The Gambia, Aminata B Sowe hosted a group of volunteers at the Bafuloto Riverside in Farato to combat the growing crisis of illegal dumping of waste. The youth talked about how pollution poses a threat to fish farming, which in turn contributes to flooding and accelerating climate change.

This WATER Meetup was a great opportunity for young people from The Gambia to learn, share insights, and inspire young people to join Planeteer Alliance so that they can continue mentoring and empowering the community about proper waste disposal.

First-time Meetup Host Aminata B Sowe leading a group of volunteers for her WATER Meetup at Bafuloto River Side in Farato, The Gambia to help combat illegal dumping of waste.

KENYA

In Narok, Kenya, the Enkare Narok River has been facing pollution caused by improper waste management. Wanting to address this community issue, Kevin Lekishon hosted a WATER Meetup in his community to discuss and develop solutions. Some of the proposed solutions included:

Creating awareness in the community and educating people on the importance of keeping the river clean.
Conducting activities like clean-ups and engaging the community in bringing solutions to the problems.
Engaging policymakers to ensure they come up with policies that will help in protecting our rivers and all water sources.

For Kevin, not only did hosting a Meetup present an opportunity to combat local environmental issues, it also was an opportunity to develop as a leader. This was Kevin’s first time hosting an Element Meetup.

“I was able to plan and execute the Meetup and face my fears,” said Kevin in reflecting on his growth as a leader through this experience.

“I was able to communicate and guide my peers, and that was a big achievement for me.”

Kevin Lekishon is pictured here (2nd from right) leading a group discussion during his WATER Meetup to discuss solutions that will help reduce pollution in the River Enkare Narok.

RWANDA

Alexis Izabayo hosted his WATER Meetup in Kirehe, Eastern Province, Rwanda which brought together 11 participants.

This Meetup was an opportunity to educate the community to take action toward protecting water resources and reducing pollution. The event played a role in creating awareness about the connection between waste management and water protection while encouraging community led solutions for a cleaner water environment. Participants collected plastic waste and other pollutants near the water pathways, working together to remove waste, sort collected materials, and discuss how preventing waste from reaching water sources can protect the environment.

“Protecting water starts with our everyday actions. If we manage waste properly, we can keep our water sources clean for future generations,” Veronicah shared.

Alexis Izabayo leads his WATER Meetup in Kirehe, Eastern Province, Rwanda.

BURUNDI

On June 16th, 2026, Cyizere Divine brought together 15 youth at Akanyaru River, Marangara, Ngozi Province, in Burundi to discuss how to reduce plastic pollution in the wetland ecosystem, raise awareness about the importance of protecting water resources, and encourage youth-led environmental action.

This Meetup opened a conversation about the role that wetlands play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and protecting water quality. Participants also discussed the importance of water conservation, waste management, and community involvement in environmental protection.

Cyizere Divine was able to lead a cleanup activity in her community to help in raising awareness about the importance of keeping the Akanyaru River clean.

“Youth can inspire change through action and awareness,” said Cyizere Divine.

Cyizere Divine leading a cleanup exercise in Akanyaru River, Marangara, Ngozi Province, Burundi.

NIGERIA

Blessing Adetona hosted a Meetup in Uba Park, Akoka, Nigeria. The Meetup addressed the lack of access to safe drinking water, poor water infrastructure, water contamination, and low awareness of water conservation in Lagos. Participants engaged in an interactive presentation, reflection worksheet exercise, open discussion, Water Promise Wall activity, and a guest speaker session to explore practical, youth-led solutions to water challenges.

The Meetup effectively tackled the problem by increasing awareness, encouraging critical thinking, inspiring personal commitments through the Water Promise Wall, and promoting continued action through a WhatsApp accountability group. Participants learned about the causes of the Lagos water crisis, safe water practices, the importance of personal responsibility, and practical actions they can take to improve water security in their communities.

Blessings Adetona leading a cleanup activity in UBA Park, Nigeria.

Planeteer Alliance supports four opportunities to host a Meetup annually, each focusing on one of the original Planeteer elements: EARTH, FIRE, WIND, and WATER. With access to funding, tools, and mentorship, Meetup Hosts are given the space to hold an intimate, small-scale event– while honing essential leadership and capacity-building skills. In the process, they develop as environmental leaders ready to serve their communities and the planet for the long term.

June WATER Element Meetups show that young people are already making a difference in their communities by taking action on WATER Element-related challenges. These Meetups encourage youth to find local solutions, work together, and lead positive change. They give young people the opportunity and confidence to turn their ideas into action in their communities.

Apply today to be part of the Planeteer Alliance Community.