Climate YES East Africa Leaders’ training (in-person and online)
Saturday 7th July 2024
It was such a memorable milestone for Climate YES to officially launch in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Leadership is a key pillar of movement building! It’s thus an equally important step towards a sustainable positive change. Having recorded a significant impact in Uganda and Kenya, expansion to these two countries was long overdue due to the different visits and interactions made across the regional church leadership chain as well as the physical hub meetings organized by Climate YES in Nairobi, September 2022.
The leadership training themed “Young Christians have a responsibility to shape the future,” was an in person meeting for leaders from Rwanda & DRC but online for leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan. Information about Climate YES, its leadership structure, vision and objectives were shared as well as responsibilities of different leaders at national, regional and global level. The session ended with confirmation of leaders of the two countries at national level and submission of their work plans in the fight for Climate Justice. The Rwanda leaders attended the session from Splendid Hotel in Muhanga while those from DRC were at Centre CCLK in Goma.
Young people are our hope, with the many challenges affecting them more so unemployment, the church is such a key institution that brings them together more often. Leveraging their potentials, energies and ideas to proactively implement solutions to the key issues threatening humanity is commendable. This is of course an intergenerational, inter institutional partnership that will see us reverse the triple planetary effects of climate change that threatens livelihoods globally.
Key takeaways from the training:
- The importance of youth-driven climate advocacy.
- Strategies for overcoming leadership and financial challenges.
- A renewed commitment to fostering sustainable practices through local partnerships and grassroots projects.
The training showcased the collective power of young interfaith leaders across East Africa, reinforcing their role in advocating for climate justice and creating sustainable communities. As Climate YES continues to grow, the training marked a pivotal moment in empowering these leaders to contribute meaningfully to the global climate movement.
We hope for a strengthened leadership capable of mobilizing and sensitizing more young Christians to act for climate now. Galatians 6:9 let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.