Lugarawa Youth Foundation Empowers Youth with Practical Training on Eco-Friendly Charcoal Production

On 2nd August 2025, the Executive Director of Lugarawa Youth Foundation, Mr. Romanus Mgimba, conducted a hands-on training session for young people on how to make eco-friendly alternative charcoal using waste paper and cardboard materials. The training took place at the Foundation’s Sub-Office located in Peramiho Ward, Songea District Council, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania.

The training aimed to promote environmental conservation, reduce dependency on natural forests, and provide youth with practical skills that can lead to income-generating opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide Shared During the Training:

1. Preparation of Materials:

   
   

   Participants gathered materials such as old newspapers, used cardboard boxes, and two buckets.

2. Shredding the Paper:

   
   

   The waste paper and cardboard were cut or torn into small pieces to ease the breakdown process.

3. Soaking:

   
   

   The shredded materials were soaked in water for several hours to soften and make them easier to mold.

4. Molding the Charcoal:

   
   

   The soaked material was then shaped into small round balls or compressed into other desired forms by hand.

5. Drying the Briquettes:

   
   

   The molded charcoal was sun-dried for 3 to 4 days, depending on the intensity of sunlight. Alternatively, those with access to drying machines or solar dryers can significantly reduce the drying time.

Broader Impact and Opportunities:

This method of making alternative charcoal is simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for both urban and rural settings. It provides a sustainable way to manage waste materials like paper, cardboard, sawdust, rice husks, food waste, and other agricultural by-products.

Encouraging Innovation and Use of Machines:

While the manual method is effective for small-scale production, the facilitator emphasized the potential of scaling up through the use of briquette-making machines, which are available in various forms:

• Manual press machines

• Hydraulic briquette machines

• Motorized charcoal extruders

• Solar or electric dryers

These machines increase productivity, ensure uniformity in size and density, and reduce labor intensity. They are ideal for youth groups, small enterprises, and community-based organizations interested in entering the green energy sector.

Call to Action:

Lugarawa Youth Foundation encourages young people to adopt this eco-friendly technology not only as a climate change mitigation strategy but also as a potential source of self-employment and sustainable livelihoods. The Foundation plans to continue offering such practical trainings and will explore partnerships to acquire modern equipment that will enable broader community access and participation.

Lugarawa Youth Foundation Empowers Youth with Practical Training on Eco-Friendly Charcoal Production — Calls for Stakeholder Support

On 2nd August 2025, the Executive Director of Lugarawa Youth Foundation, Mr. Romanus Mgimba, led a hands-on training session for young people on how to produce eco-friendly alternative charcoal using waste paper and cardboard. The training took place at the Foundation’s Sub-Office in Peramiho Ward, Songea District Council, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania.

This initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation, youth unemployment, and poor waste management in local communities.

🌱 Step-by-Step Training on Charcoal Briquette Production:

1. Collecting Materials:

   
   

   Waste paper, used cardboard boxes, and two containers or buckets.

2. Shredding:

   
   

   The materials are cut into small pieces for easier processing.

3. Soaking:

   
   

   The paper mixture is soaked in water for several hours until soft.

4. Molding:

   
   

   Participants shape the mixture into round or cylindrical briquettes.

5. Drying:

   
   

   The briquettes are sun-dried for 3–4 days, or faster if a solar or electric dryer is available.

💡 Why This Matters:

This simple and affordable technology:

• Reduces pressure on natural forests

• Provides a clean and sustainable source of energy

• Empowers youth with life-changing practical skills

• Creates opportunities for income generation and small businesses

• Helps manage community waste

Participants also learned that various waste products—such as food scraps, sawdust, rice husks, and maize cobs—can be used to make briquettes, expanding the potential of this eco-solution.

🔧 Looking Ahead: Embracing Innovation

To increase production and improve quality, the Foundation aims to introduce:

• Manual and motorized briquette machines

• Hydraulic presses

• Solar and electric dryers

Such technologies will support scaling up the initiative, creating jobs and encouraging youth entrepreneurship in renewable energy.

🤝 A Call to Stakeholders, Partners, and Supporters

Lugarawa Youth Foundation welcomes support from government institutions, NGOs, private sector actors, development agencies, and well-wishers to:

• Provide machinery and tools

• Support training programs and workshops

• Fund expansion to more communities

• Invest in youth innovation for green solutions

Together, we can create sustainable livelihoods, protect our environment, and build a future where young people are not just job seekers—but job creators.

📞 For partnerships or more information, please contact:📧 info@lugarawayouthfoundation.org🌐 www.lugarawayouthfoundation.org