Elizabeth Nandera’s Inspiring Journey
A passionate advocate and alumnus of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, Elizabeth Nandera, is proving that education and empowerment are the keys to driving change.
Elizabeth is the founder of the ‘United Youth Initiative Africa’ an organization dedicated to empower the young in social, political and economic matters. Realizing that the youth are the key stakeholders of the future of African communities, we are intentional about sensitising and educating them and coming up with societal issues as we create awareness on SDGs and providing platform for young people hence reshaping the African narrative in the face of the world. With 315 active youth members, 102 are female, 213 male and 3 people with disabilities. Each member of the organisation is affiliated to a business club carrying out Agricultural activities. Her journey from Nairobi Summer School to a climate change leader is a testament to the programs’ profound impact.
“In Nairobi, I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of climate justice and learned from leading experts in the field. This experience has not only shaped my understanding of climate issues but has also given me focus to lead my organization towards a more sustainable and impactful future,” said Elizabeth during an interview.
The United Youth Initiative Africa seeks to consistently promote and inspire sustainable outcomes that will empower young people to lead Africa toward a sustainable future. This vision, deeply rooted in climate justice principles, reflects her commitment to reshaping the narrative surrounding climate change in Africa.
The mission of the United Youth Initiative Africa, as articulated by Elizabeth, is to create pathways for empowering young people and underprivileged communities to develop sustainable outputs. To achieve this mission, the organization employs a multifaceted approach:
Capacity Building and Training: Empowerment starts with knowledge. The organization provides training and capacity-building programs to equip young people with the skills and expertise needed to address climate change effectively. The organisation hosted the third leading agriculturalist in Uganda, Dr Dauson Musasizi, owner of Busoga Farmers Resource Centre on 27th July 2023 who engaged the community in a study about smart sustainable Agriculture and green jobs. This session was attended by 518 people coming from different villages around Busia District. The organisation carried out another Capacity building session recently on 13th September where 17 people visited Busoga Farmers Resource Centre and had a hands on study on smart sustainable agriculture and green jobs. All knowledge acquired is to help the community adapt to the threat of climate change.
Advocacy: To drive policy change and raise awareness, the United Youth Initiative Africa engages in advocacy efforts at the local, national, and international levels. Elizabeth and her team work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Africa’s’ youth are heard on the global stage. Nandera Elizabeth effectively represented United Youth Initiative Africa during the African Climate Summit.
Collaboration and Environmental Conservation: Collaboration is at the heart of Elizabeths’ approach. Her organization partners with like-minded groups, NGOs, and governmental agencies to amplify their impact. UYIA collaborates with other youth groups like Kobujoi Community Forest Association and Baraga youth from Kenya. Environmental conservation is a key focus, with the organization actively involved in projects that promote sustainable practices like recycling plastics and planting vegetables in sacks.
Elizabeth Nandera credits the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice impact as a turning point in her journey. During her testimonial speech, she shared how the program equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to steer her organization in the right direction. She emphasized that the experience provided her with a renewed focus on addressing climate change effectively.
Elizabeth Nandera’s story is a testimony to the power of education, empowerment, and commitment in the fight against climate change.
Through the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, she found the inspiration and resources needed to lead her organization, the United Youth Initiative Africa, toward a brighter and more sustainable future for Africa and the world. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for young leaders striving to make a difference in the face of the climate crisis.