In the fight against climate change, education is one of the most powerful tools for inspiring action. Nigerian Creative Director and Visual Artist, Ijeoma Okochi-Agwu is taking an innovative approach by using creativity to teach young girls about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through art and hands-on workshops, she is equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to become climate action ambassadors.
Understanding the urgent need for climate education, Ijeoma has created a series of upcycling workshops for school girls in underserved communities under her theme "Fashion For Social Change". Through this, she is able to make complex environmental issues more understandable and engaging for young children. Her workshops encourage participants to express their creativity by showing them how everyday waste can be transformed into something meaningful.
Beyond artistic expression, her work fosters critical thinking about environmental challenges. She collaborates with local schools and community organizations including Give Girls A Chance to deliver interactive sessions on topics like pollution, conservation, and climate resilience. These activities not only educate but also empower young girls, helping them recognize their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
What inspired you to use art as a tool for climate education?
"My journey into art as a means of climate education began with my work at the intersection of fashion, social issues, and advocacy. I’ve always believed that clothing tells a story—not just of personal identity but of our collective values. Seeing how fashion contributes to environmental degradation, I started exploring ways to shift the narrative towards sustainability. The idea of upcycling and repurposing materials to create something meaningful resonated with me, not just as a creative challenge but as a way to engage communities in conversations about climate change in a tangible, relatable way".
How did you first become passionate about sustainability and environmental responsibility?
"It was a gradual awakening, influenced by both my work in fashion and my engagement with social justice issues. I started noticing the disconnect—on one hand, there’s an urgent call to address climate change, yet on the other, fast fashion and waste culture continue to thrive. My personal turning point was when I began working on projects that involved upcycling worn-out clothing for young girls, transforming what would have been discarded into something they could wear with pride. Seeing how these transformations impacted their confidence and sense of worth made me realize that sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s about people too".
What role do you think creativity plays in making complex environmental issues more accessible?
"Creativity bridges the gap between awareness and action. Climate change can feel abstract or overwhelming for many people, but art has the power to simplify and humanize these challenges. Whether through visual storytelling, upcycled fashion pieces, or immersive experiences, creativity transforms statistics into emotions, policies into personal stories. It allows people to connect with issues in a way that facts alone often can’t".
How do the young girls you work with respond to the idea of using recycled materials for art?
"Initially, there’s curiosity, sometimes even skepticism—especially when they realize the materials are “old” or “discarded.” But once they see the transformation, their perspective shifts. They begin to take pride in their work, and it sparks a sense of ownership and empowerment. It’s more than just an art project; it becomes a lesson in resilience and resourcefulness. Many of them start seeing possibilities beyond fashion—questioning waste, reimagining value, and even influencing their peers".
What advice would you give to other creatives looking to use their art for social change?
"Start with the message that drives you. Social change isn’t about aesthetics alone—it’s about impact. Identify the issues that resonate with you, understand them deeply, and use your medium as a bridge between knowledge and action. Also, be prepared for resistance. Not everyone will immediately see the value in using art for advocacy, but persistence and storytelling make a difference. Collaboration is key too—working with activists, researchers, and local communities strengthens your work and broadens its reach".
What are your future plans for expanding this initiative and reaching more young people?
"I want to scale this work beyond individual projects and create a structured platform where young people, especially girls, can explore the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and social change. This could be through workshops, mentorship programs, or even a traveling exhibition showcasing upcycled fashion with powerful stories behind them. I also want to integrate more digital storytelling—short films, interactive media—to reach audiences who may not have physical access to these workshops but can still engage with the message. Ultimately, my goal is to shift mindsets and create a culture where sustainable fashion isn’t a niche idea but a mainstream movement. By merging creativity with climate education, this initiative is helping to shift mindsets and inspire actionable change. The young girls who participate leave with a deeper understanding of their environment and practical ways to protect it. They are encouraged to become advocates in their communities, using their voices and talents to promote sustainability".
As climate change continues to impact Nigeria and beyond, efforts like these are essential. By harnessing the power of art and creativity, Ijeoma is not just teaching young girls about sustainability—she is inspiring them to lead the charge for a greener, more resilient world.
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