Interview with
Stephen Okoth

What motivated you to participate in The Earth Prize competition as a Mentor?

For me, there are two key factors that drive my desire to collaborate with young people in achieving sustainability goals. Firstly, I strongly believe that the youth possess a wealth of potential to contribute to our world. They have fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can help us address the challenges of our time. Moreover, I agree with the notion that policies are often entrusted to those who don't face the consequences of their decisions. This is why I think that engaging young people in sustainability efforts is crucial, as they are the ones who will be most affected by the consequences of unsustainable practices. Secondly, I have a personal aspiration to be part of this transformation. As a former peer mentor, I have gained valuable experience in leadership and I am excited to continue on this path. This role aligns perfectly with my goals and I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals to bring about real change.

How did the mentoring take place?

At first, the pace of questions being submitted on the platform was slow and it left me wondering if there was a problem on my end. However, after a while, the questions started coming in and they were mostly related to registration and team formation. As time went on, the questions became more specific to their project and covered a wide range of topics such as economics, engineering, chemistry, and biology. The volume of questions also increased significantly and I realized that it was due to more people joining the platform and becoming active. As a mentor, I made it a point to check the platform once or twice a day and respond to the questions as quickly as possible. Sometimes, questions would come in very quickly and in large numbers, but I dedicated my time to helping the students find solutions for their projects.

What did you enjoy the most about being a Mentor?

One of the things I appreciated most about being a mentor was how much I learned from the students. When you get into the mentorship, you are the mentor so you think you know it all, but once I started interacting with the students and their projects, I realized that there was so much for me to gain from this experience. What I found most fulfilling was being able to make a positive impact in someone's life. When a student was stuck on a problem and I was able to help them, the feeling of fulfilment was immense. It was a reminder that I had made a difference in someone's life, and that feeling would stay with me long after the day was over. Seeing the real impact of my own contribution, as well as the contributions of other mentors, was truly inspiring.

How has The Earth Prize competition inspired you or challenged you?

The Earth Prize competition has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Witnessing the determination and drive of these young students has taught me that it only takes a strong willingness to take action to effect change. It's easy to feel helpless at times, to believe that there's nothing that can be done. But the innovative ideas that these students have put forth have shown me that real change can be achieved without massive amounts of money or resources. Seeing what young people are capable of has empowered me, and I am now more determined than ever to use the resources and knowledge I have to make a meaningful contribution towards the change I want to see, no matter how small or big it may be.

What advice or tips would you share with other university students who are considering becoming a Mentor in the next edition of the competition?

For those considering to become mentors, this is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge yourself while making a real impact. Seeing the passion and dedication of young students is truly inspiring, and mentors have the chance to collaborate to expand their networks. Additionally, mentorship provides valuable skills such as mentorship and leadership that can be applied to our future as well. It's an opportunity to gain more by immersing oneself fully into the experience. You have a lot to gain by becoming a mentor. So, I encourage everyone to participate in The Earth Prize and put in your best effort.