By James Mutua
The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance in partnership with Kenyatta University on Friday launched the third cohort of Nairobi Summer School of Climate
Justice Cohort 3. The launch was held at the Kenyatta University that hosts the program.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) said that introspecting on the two years the program has been on, it’s worth jubilation.
“Two years back we commenced this noble initiative on the NSSCJ. To us it was a bold dream to see young people being in the stewardship of climate justice efforts in this continent. It was a dream that has become a reality”, said Dr. Mithika.
Mithika said that the achievement would not have been possible without Kenyatta University partnering with PACJA as a hosting institution of the initiative.
“We appreciate the effort put in by Kenyatta University over the planning process for the NSSCJ that we have enjoyed for the last 2 years that has made the NSSCJ a premier process of strengthened pan African mobilizations and organizing of young people to drive bold, continental wide transformations”, Dr. Mithika added.
Dr. Joseph Kurauka, the Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development at Kenyatta University affirmed that University partnership with PACJA yielded results by equipping young generation with skills and knowledge of issues
pertaining to climate change, environment and Climate Justice.
“To affirm our commitment, I am glad to share with you that Kenyatta University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development is processing accredited certification
and master’s studies in areas of climate Justice”, disclosed Dr. Kurauka.
Prof. Wanjohi who represented the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of young
generation in carrying forward awareness and commended the importance of equipping them with skills and knowledge on climate change and climate justice.
“I believe that Climate Change is everywhere and is affecting all of us. I hope that the applicants to be selected will be in that dynamism of bringing change because climate change
has become a global Challenge we are currently facing”, said Prof. Wanjohi
Nancy Githaiga, Country Director, African Wildlife Foundation reminded participants that Climate change has hit Africa and Kenya in particular, hence joint efforts are needed to address the challenge. She said that youth equipped with knowledge will drive the change.
“We have responsibility because our action or inaction on matter of climate Change will definitely speak. Voices of young people must be heard but also there must be solutions through action,” reiterated Nancy.
At the launch of the third cohort, several alumni of Nairobi Summer school of
Climate Justice shared their experiences and knowledge they have earned from the last cohorts.
About Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice NSSCJ is conceptualized as an intergenerational platform to share, learn and network the disruptive ideas needed to catalyze economy-wide transformation in a climate-catastrophic world. The school adopts a society-wide focus, targeting sectoral and thematic experts and frontline activists irrespective of formal education and cultural backgrounds. Since its inception, the school has trained over 900 youth from diverse background and diverse
countries and continents.
Over two Years in action Nairobi Summer school Alumni, are contributing in shaping narratives around climate Justice across Africa and beyond through campaigns, Climate Change negotiations, and other advocacy processes at national, regional, continental and
global level.
