Building on the learnings from the project's five-year journey, the 2016 edition promises to dig even deeper into cultural discovery, green living, and the impact of planting trees and growing food forests.
Inspired individuals ready to get active for the planet can apply to join for one, two or three weeks from 25 June to 17 July, 2016. High school students with a passion for forging a green future can apply to join the Schools Programme (25 June to 2 July), and people of all ages can apply to be a part of one (or both) of the general weeks (3 to 10 July and 10 to 17 July).
At the heart of Greenpop's ethos is a belief that environmental solutions lie, not in anxiety, which can immobilise, but in positive environmental action. That belief in action shapes and guides the eco-education adventure that Greenpop takes its participants on. Individuals who are accepted onto the programme explore local and global environmental issues, challenge themselves to find solutions for a greener future, get hands-on permaculture experience and, together with local participants, plant trees, build using eco-bricks, brighten up schools with environmental murals, grow food forests, set up recycling systems and more.
These actions have a value in and of themselves, but what they unlock within those who attend is a sense of empowerment to change their world - a mental shift that has an impact far beyond participants' time in Livingstone. What's more, the Zambia Festival of Action multiplies the strength of that empowerment by activating people en masse.
Learning by doing and developing practical skills are key to the Zambia Festival of Action experience. Once participants arrive at the Greenpop camp, they are immersed in a culture of mindfulness. Everything from the vegetarian, locally sourced meals, to the on-site zero-waste up-cyling system make for the perfect space to turn green-living into a habit.
Greenpop also believes in the transformative power of fun, which is why it infuses its days of action with playfulness and encourage attendees to treat themselves as sustainably as the environment. Yoga sessions, early morning dance-offs, documentary screenings under the stars, and inspiring talks are all designed to nourish the self.
Those wishing to join the Zambia Festival of Action 2016 must fill out an application form. After a review and a brief telephone interview, applicants receive confirmation of whether or not they have been accepted onto the programme and can then proceed to pay their deposit.
Greenpop has also provided a fun alternative way for people to 'pay' for their placement: Trees for Fees, a fundraising initiative whereby attendees get their friends and family to sponsor funds for trees in exchange for a place at the Zambia Festival of Action (e.g.: funds for 80 trees = a free 1-week placement, funds for 150 trees = a free 2 week placement).
For enquiries and questions about the programme or Trees for Fees: zambia@greenpop.org
Application form: http://bit.ly/zam16App
Zambia Festival of Action web page: www.greenpop.org/projects/trees-for-zambia
Facebook Event Link: bit.ly/zam16FB
