The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice kicked off its highly-anticipated two-week training program for young Africans on the urgent topic of climate change.
The training started with symposium that brought together, key stakeholders, educators, and climate experts to discuss the pressing need for climate education and action.
The symposium commenced with an invigorating speech from the Minister for Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, who emphasized the importance of integrating climate change into the education system.
The Minister highlighted the need for young people to be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills relating to climate justice, enabling them to tackle the challenges posed by climate change head-on. “Climate change affects every aspect of our lives and demands urgent attention,” he stated. “By incorporating climate education into our curriculum, we can empower future generations to become responsible stewards of our planet.”
The Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Dr. Mithika Mwenda, addressing the audience, stated that “Africa, as one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change, must take immediate action to mitigate its effects. Our young people possess the potential to drive transformative change. By fostering their understanding of climate justice, we can inspire them to develop innovative solutions and ensure a sustainable future.”
The vice-chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul Wainana, who spoke to participants called collaboration between academia and policymaking institutions.
He emphasized the role of universities as hubs of knowledge and research, stressing the importance of harnessing their expertise to drive climate action and policy formulation. “Universities have a pivotal role in shaping the minds of young Africans and providing them with the necessary tools to address climate change,” he proclaimed, said Prof. Paul Wainana.
He said that through partnership, we can bridge the gap between academia and policy implementation, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.”
The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice represents a critical step towards building a generation of climate-conscious African leaders. It aims to equip young individuals with a deep understanding of climate justice, enabling them to advocate for sustainable policies, innovative solutions, and responsible actions within their communities and beyond.
Glad to have witnessed yet another launch of the Nairobi Summer School.
Am an alumni from the second cohort who left the 2 weeks training a better and more informed climate activist with better skills to address climate change issues facing my community and even spearhead major campaigns within my locality.
Awesome place to be
Great place to be
PACJA 2023 .