Dutch Consulate x Climate Action Mural

Youth-Led Mural Project Inspires Climate Action in Philippi
The Dutch Consulate briefed us to mobilise a talented mural artist (Breeze Yoko) and local youth to create a powerful call to action against climate change—specifically focusing on water issues. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration through creative workshops, culminating in a striking mural unveiled on the International Day of Climate Action.

Engaging Philippi’s Youth in Climate Awareness
To bring this vision to life, we partnered with Philippi Village, engaging students from Sinethemba, Dr. Nelson R. Mandela, and Sophumelela High Schools. A design workshop with these learners led to a central behavioural challenge for the project:

How might we inspire people, with a wall mural, to understand how climate change and water issues are affecting Philippi, in order to mobilise people to take climate action.

Following this, students were given an assignment to capture photos that reflect how climate change and water challenges impact their community. These images were later analyzed in a second workshop, facilitated by photographer Eveline Gerritsen and mural artist Breeze Yoko, where key themes and messages were identified.

From Vision to Mural
Working in groups, the students developed creative briefs to guide Breeze Yoko in designing the mural. On October 24th, the artwork was unveiled in a festive celebration attended by Deputy Consul General Johan van de Hoef, students, and community stakeholders.

Consul General Helene Rekkers emphasized the project’s impact, stating:
“Climate change is a global issue, but it affects communities differently. The Netherlands Embassy and Consulate in South Africa support young people in expressing their experiences with environmental challenges. We hope this mural inspires not only the participating students but the entire Philippi community.”

This project highlights the power of art, youth engagement, and collaboration in driving climate awareness and action.