My name is Constantine Charo, a young man with a fervent passion for environmental conservation and sustainable development. I

was born in Kinango sub County of Kwale County to Duruma parents, and I am the second born among my three siblings. I attend daily mass at the St Joseph Catholic church in Kinango Parish.

My educational journey began at St Joseph Primary School in Kinango, where the seeds of curiosity and academic excellence were first sown. It was during these formative years that I developed a deep appreciation for the environment, inspired by the natural beauty and biodiversity that surrounded me.

As a testimony to my dedication to academic pursuits, I earned the opportunity to attend Kagumo High School upon excelling in my primary education. The high school years were marked by academic challenges and personal growth, (I thank God for Matt and Becky) laying the foundation for my future endeavors. However, having joined Compassion, I received a lot of help and mentoring. It was during this period that my passion for environmental issues solidified, fueled by a desire to contribute positively to my community and the world at large.

As I reflect on my compassion journey, it amazes me how my paths crossed back when I joined the Compassion project in grade three. Little did I know that this would be the place where I would find not only a supportive community, but also a family with whom I share a deep connection and love.

Meeting Matt and Becky, has been one of the greatest and most blessed things to ever happen to me. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my life, and I am profoundly grateful for it.

Compassion laid the foundation for the person I am today—a Christian who has witnessed the greatness of God through their love and guidance. Their presence in my life has been a beacon of hope, and I can’t express enough how much it means to have them as my mentors and friends.

After successfully completing my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, I took a significant step towards realizing my dreams by enrolling at Egerton University. There, I embarked on a journey to pursue a Bachelor of Natural Resource Management, a field of study that resonated deeply with my commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

My time at Egerton University was transformative, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of natural resource management principles, conservation strategies, and sustainable development practices. The knowledge and skills acquired during this academic pursuit laid the groundwork for the initiatives I would later undertake to make a tangible impact on the environment and the community that I hold dear.

Driven by my passion and a sense of responsibility, I founded the Climate Care Community-Based Organization (CBO). This organization is not just a manifestation of my dreams but a collective effort aimed at realizing the shared vision of protecting our environment and fostering sustainable development for the people of Kinango. Climate Care is dedicated to implementing practical solutions, engaging in awareness campaigns, and initiating projects that contribute to the well-being of our community.

Through Climate Care, we have undertaken tree planting initiatives, waste management projects, and community education programs, fostering a sense of environmental consciousness among the people of

Kinango. The organization seeks to address pressing environmental issues while simultaneously championing initiatives that uplift the socio-economic fabric of our community.

As I reflect on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped me and the unwavering support of my community. I remain steadfast in my commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those around me.

The road ahead is one of continued learning, growth, and collaborative action. I am excited about the possibilities that the future holds, confident that the seeds we plant today will bear fruits of sustainable development and environmental harmony for generations to come.