Adigao Alvin Wenia

Alvin, a student at the University of Ghana, is defying both odds and stereotypes to become one of the country’s most dynamic youth climate advocates and community leaders. From being unable to afford international university offers despite securing 13 admissions with partial scholarships, to founding a fast-growing initiative that has impacted thousands of students, Alvin has turned personal setbacks into a powerful social mission.

After facing financial constraints that forced him to give up his dream of studying abroad, he channelled his frustration into founding The Child with Big Dreams, a youth-led initiative providing mentorship, leadership development, and climate education to underserved children. In 2024 alone, the project reached over 3,500 students across Ghana, empowering them to pursue ambitions that extend beyond their circumstances.

As part of his work with The Child with Big Dreams, Alvin also spearheaded the Creative Communities initiative, a social impact programme addressing plastic pollution through art. By mentoring children to turn waste into creative expression, he not only educates them on sustainability but fosters self-worth and creativity in communities often overlooked.

In biodiversity and conservation, he led Ghana’s first youth-driven restoration projects in Wasakuse and Obane, Ada, planting over 4,000 mangroves and restoring more than 2 hectares of degraded land. His work empowered local fishermen and residents to engage in sustainable practices, giving them a sense of ownership over their environment.

He also co-authored a position paper with the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance platform, calling for the reversal of a legislative instrument that would allow illegal mining in protected forest reserves. Internationally, he made history as Ghana’s youngest climate negotiator at COP29, and was part of a team working on the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) negotiations.

In a bold effort to engage younger voices, he also organised the world’s first Children’s Climate Conference of Parties (Child COP), giving children the chance to act as climate negotiators and develop their own policy recommendations.

While pursuing his studies, he has held three part-time jobs, balancing local and international responsibilities while tutoring peers in biodiversity and hosting global webinars on sustainability. Despite not holding conventional academic honours, his recognition for Best Presentation and Best Teamwork reflects his strengths in collaboration, leadership, and mentorship.

Among his peers, his impact is deeply felt. His daily three-hour commute to class inspired fellow students to persevere. His ability to balance academics, work, and activism has motivated many to stay focused on their goals.

If Alvin wins the Global Student Prize, he plans to expand Creative Communities, fund scholarships for youth climate leaders, and expand the mentorship that The Child with Big Dreams initiative offers. His work not only addresses climate challenges but transforms the lives of young people from low-resource settings by showing them that their dreams are valid.

From humble beginnings to global platforms, Alvin is redefining what youth leadership looks like in Ghana – and proving that even from the margins, you can lead movements that shape the future.