Thato Dimmere, Climate & Mental Health Advocate from Botswana, is bridging two deeply interconnected missions: sustainability and youth wellbeing.

Through his initiative, Dimmer Thrifts, he’s creating more than a clothing platform: it’s a climate education tool, a space for advocacy and a way to reimagine how young people can take tangible, creative action toward a more sustainable future.

His work is also rooted in mental health, strategy, and storytelling as he serves as Strategic Development & Communication Officer at Radiating Resilience, supporting advocacy and community engagement across Southern Africa.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Thato Dimmere whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change?

My piece for change is driving sustainability and youth wellbeing through practical community action, contributing to the fulfillment of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Agenda 2030. I founded Dimmer Thrifts, a sustainable fashion initiative that promotes upcycling and gives people a platform to resell pre loved clothes. It serves not just as a thrift platform, but as a climate action tool. I use it as an advocacy instrument to raise awareness about environmental responsibility, the phenomenon of thrifting and climate action. I also serve as the Strategic Development & Communication Officer at Radiating Resilience championing mental health advocacy, supporting strategy, partnerships and public engagement

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

The turning point was learning about the overflowing Pilane landfill in my environmental sociology class. It opened my eyes to how poorly waste is managed in Botswana and pushed me to be part of the solution through sustainable fashion and community education.

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I envision an Africa where sustainable living is a norm, mental health is openly discussed and young people lead boldly, shaping policies, systems and communities aligned with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

I am looking to connect with sustainability advocates, youth focused organizations, mental health practitioners and youth development leaders who are passionate about community driven change. I also seek mentors in policy, human resources and international development to help guide my growth as I continue shaping my changework journey.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

I wish more people understood how choosing to reuse, upcycle and extend the lifespan of clothes can significantly reduce waste and ease pressure on our landfills. I also wish mental health was treated with the same seriousness as physical health, especially among young people navigating rapid social and economic change.

What practices, tools, or resources have supported you most on your changework journey?

Youth events and learning from other young leaders have supported me the most. I also draw guidance from basic sustainability principles, mental health awareness platforms and inspiring stories shared through podcasts and documentaries. These tools remind me that change starts with small, consistent actions.

Can you share a moment or experience that deeply shaped the way you approach change today?

Representing Dimmer Thrifts at the NDC Youth Forum pre-COP30 engagement was transformative. Being in a room with sixty young climate leaders reminded me that change grows from collaboration, courage and showing up, regardless of how small your initiative may seem.

What collective shift do you believe is needed for meaningful change to happen, and what gives you hope that it’s possible?

We need a shift from individualistic responsibility to collective action. Where communities, policymakers and institutions work together to build sustainable systems. What gives me hope is the rising tide of young Africans who are stepping into changemaking spaces and driving transformative conversations.

How do you take care of your own energy or wellbeing while doing this work?

I take care of my wellbeing by staying grounded in my faith and keeping God at the center of everything I do. Prayer brings me peace and taking intentional breaks helps me recharge. I also lean on supportive people around me.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

Connect via linktr.ee/ThatoDimmere

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

Thato’s work is a powerful reminder that climate action and wellbeing go hand in hand and that change can begin with a single thrifted item, a local conversation or a bold idea.

If you’re working at the intersection of sustainability, youth development, or mental health reach out, connect and collaborate. 🌿

✨ Thank you, Thato, for sharing your #PieceForChange and helping shape an Africa led by empowered, conscious, and courageous young people.

Stay tuned for next week’s Changeworker feature, and if you’d like to be highlighted, join the campaign and tick the box to express your interest.