Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s affecting young people across Africa today. Heat waves, droughts, floods and food shortages disrupt livelihoods, fuel social unrest and, in some cases, push vulnerable youth into crime. Climate Games is an innovative initiative of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs that uses play to inspire action, build knowledge and strengthen community resilience.
Climate Games are simple, engaging board, card and digital games co‑designed with young people. Each game helps players explore local climate challenges – from water scarcity and waste management to illegal mining and mangrove conservation – and identify solutions they can take in their own communities. Rules and content are translated into local languages such as Kiswahili, Krio, Ndebele and Sheng so everyone can participate. Sessions often include reflections on health, livelihoods and safety, recognising that climate change intersects with issues like reproductive health, mental wellbeing and economic opportunity.
Traditional awareness campaigns often rely on lectures and brochures that fail to engage youth. Games create a safe space where participants learn by doing, discuss sensitive topics openly and connect climate science to everyday life. By rewarding cooperation rather than competition, the games encourage empathy, problem-solving and a sense of shared responsibility. When youth understand the links between environmental degradation and social issues such as unemployment or crime, they are better equipped to become change‑makers in their communities.
ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR
Prototypes developed:
Zimbabwe has designed nine climate-themed board and card games, while Kenya has tested Eco Champ, Jihami (Climate Chess), Sea Defender, Mangrove Quest, Climate Risk Jenga and Resource Race. Sierra Leone recently introduced Waste Hunt and an early prototype called Environmental Action, developed by 14 youth across Kenema, Bo and Freetown.
Youth trained:
35 core game designers and 30 mentees have been equipped with design and facilitation skills across Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, The Gambia and Sierra Leone. Boot camps and capacity-building workshops are bringing together young leaders from Burundi, Malawi and Benin.
Community reach:
In Bulawayo and Gweru, the games have reached more than 600 people, including artisanal miners, school students, inmates and community leaders. Kenya’s Naivasha and Mombasa have engaged dozens of participants. Sierra Leone’s pilots reached 370 community members across four neighborhoods, including youth in conflict with the law and waste collectors through the organization Clean Salone.
How you can get involved
Volunteer : Join your local YMCA branch as a facilitator, mentor youth designers or help document player stories.
Partner :Organizations working on climate resilience, education, health or youth justice can co-design games, share expertise or host sessions. We also welcome recycling companies and mining cooperatives to get involved.
Support :Donors and corporate partners can fund training, game production, exhibitions and digital development. Even small contributions help expand Climate Games to more young people.
Play and share : Borrow physical games from participating YMCAs or download digital versions (coming soon). Host a game night in your community and share your reflections with us!
The Road Ahead
The Africa Alliance of YMCAs is preparing to expand Climate Games to additional countries. The focus is shifting from prototyping to full deployment, building on the successes in Zimbabwe, Kenya and Sierra Leone. Priorities include developing digital and accessible versions for people with disabilities, strengthening links with livelihoods (such as waste recycling and organic farming), expanding safe spaces for women and vulnerable groups, and collecting robust data to demonstrate impact.
Join us in tackling climate change through play — let’s start changing the world one game at a time!
