ABOUT UGO
Discover our story, mission, values, and meet the passionate team behind Universal Greening Organisation
OUR STORY
Universal Greening Organisation (UGO) is a youth-led non-profit organisation headquartered in South Africa, founded by Mr Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni at the University of Venda's School of Environmental Sciences. What began as a student-led tree-planting initiative has evolved into a comprehensive organisation addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development across South Africa and beyond.
Our mission is to drive sustainable environmental change in South Africa through community empowerment and hands-on conservation initiatives, protecting ecosystems and promoting biodiversity while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. We focus on four strategic pillars: environmental conservation, community engagement, research & innovation, and advocacy & policy.
Today, UGO has achieved significant milestones including over 100,000 trees planted, service to 50+ communities, and the empowerment of thousands of young people through programs like the UGO Fellowship and strategic partnerships with institutions like SANBI, UNEP, and the University of Venda.
Key Milestones
Foundation
UGO was established by Mr Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni at University of Venda
Fellowship Launch
Launched UGO Fellowship with 15 young changemakers
Historic Partnership
Signed MoU with SANBI - first youth-led organization partnership
International Expansion
Partnership with Tanzania's Success Hands Initiative
OUR MISSION
To empower and mobilize young people worldwide to take action for environmental conservation and sustainability
Environmental Education
Providing comprehensive environmental education to young people, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address environmental challenges.
Community Action
Mobilizing communities through hands-on environmental projects, tree planting initiatives, and conservation efforts that create tangible positive impact.
Youth Advocacy
Amplifying youth voices in environmental policy discussions and advocating for sustainable practices at local, national, and global levels.
OUR VALUES
The principles that guide our work and shape our impact on the world
Sustainability
We believe in creating lasting environmental solutions that benefit both current and future generations.
Youth Empowerment
We empower young people to take leadership roles in environmental conservation and climate action.
Community
We build strong partnerships with communities to create meaningful and lasting environmental change.
Innovation
We embrace innovative approaches and technologies to solve complex environmental challenges.
OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate young leaders driving UGO's mission and creating positive environmental change
Alex Chen
Executive Director
Environmental science graduate with 5+ years of experience in youth leadership and climate advocacy. Passionate about empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
Sarah Johnson
Program Director
Community organizer with expertise in environmental education and sustainable development projects. Dedicated to creating impactful programs that inspire action.
Marcus Rodriguez
Operations Manager
Logistics expert with a passion for creating efficient and impactful environmental initiatives. Ensures smooth operations across all UGO programs.
Priya Patel
Education Coordinator
Former teacher with a master's in environmental education. Develops engaging curriculum and training programs for youth environmental education.
David Kim
Technology Lead
Tech enthusiast focused on leveraging digital tools for environmental monitoring and community engagement. Builds innovative solutions for climate action.
Maria Garcia
Community Outreach
Community engagement specialist with deep roots in local environmental movements. Builds strong partnerships and mobilizes communities for action.
JOIN OUR MISSION
Ready to make a difference? We're always looking for passionate young people to join our mission and create positive environmental change.