Empowering Africa’s Youth, Nairobi Summer School Cohort IV Sparks Youth-Led Global Climate Action

In a significant leap toward empowering young African activists in the realm of climate justice, the fourth cohort of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice was recently unveiled during the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance’s (PACJA) retreat in Addis Ababa.

This pioneering initiative, led by PACJA, has unfolded successfully over the past three years, attracting an increasing number of passionate participants with each cohort.

The inaugural cohort in 2021 drew nearly 1000 applicants, highlighting the growing interest among African youth in addressing climate justice issues.

Subsequent years witnessed even greater momentum, with 1969 applicants for the second cohort in 2022 and a notable turnout for the 2023 cohort. The fourth cohort, scheduled for mid-year at Chuka University, continues to build on the success of this transformative initiative.

During the launch for the call for application, Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of PACJA, emphasized the crucial role of imparting knowledge to youth. He highlighted the necessity for young activists to comprehend the dynamics between the global north and south, a key aspect in advocating for climate justice on a global scale.

Mr. Mutembei, the Vice Chancellor of Chuka University, echoed this sentiment, stressing that now is the opportune moment for African youth to embrace the program and engage in active learning wholeheartedly. Mutembei shared, “This is the time African youths should take this program seriously and enroll and learn.”

The launch which took place at PACJA’s retreat in Addis Ababa, where discussions revolved around taking stock, strategizing, and reflecting on the events of 2023 while planning for the challenges and opportunities that 2024 may bring.

Two alumni, Zandisile from Eswatini, and Umi Yacin from Djibouti, shared their transformative experiences at the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice. Zandisile articulated how the program profoundly altered her understanding of climate change matters, stating, “The program changed my knowledge on how to handle matters of climate change.” Umi passionately urged fellow African youth to seize this opportunity and apply, emphasizing, “The modules studied at our two-week training program are so important in understanding what the Paris Agreement talks about.”

Both alumni highlighted the paramount importance of the program’s modules in comprehending the intricacies of the Paris Agreement and emphasized the necessity of having well-informed youth in climate negotiations.

The program not only imparts knowledge but also serves as a dynamic platform for bringing African youth together. It facilitates networking opportunities and encourages exploration within the climate-related space, fostering a sense of global solidarity among participants.

As the fourth cohort gears up to convene at Chuka University, the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice continues to play a pivotal role in equipping young African activists with the skills and knowledge needed to champion climate justice on the global stage. With each passing year, the initiative gains momentum, furthering its mission to ignite the power of youth for enhanced global solidarity on climate justice.