On Thursday, July 4, 2024, Under USAID funded Bar ama Baro program, SOYVDA in close partnership with Creative Associate International organized a one-day panel session titled “The Role of Youth in Climate Action” in Balcad district. This event aimed to educate and empower high school students on the critical role they can play in addressing climate change. Around 26 students of which 31% were male and 69% were female participated in the discussion.
The session included a comprehensive lecture made by Abdishakur Daaha, a Climate Communication and Advocacy Specialist. The topic of the Lecture emphasized “The Role of Youth in Climate Action”. Mr Daaha delivered an insightful lecture focusing on several key themes which include the following:
- Understanding Climate Change:
Scientific Basis: He shared with the participants the fundamental science behind climate change, including the greenhouse effect, carbon emissions, and global warming.
Global Impacts: Abdishakur also discussed the global consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.
- Youth as Agents of Change:
Empowerment: The lecture emphasized the power and potential of youth to drive significant environmental changes through advocacy, innovation, and community engagement.
Innovative Solutions: Mr. Abdishakur encouraged the school students to think creatively about solutions such as renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable living practices.
- Actionable Steps for Students:
Community Engagement: Practical advice was given on how students could raise awareness and educate their communities about climate change through campaigns, workshops, and social media.
Sustainable Practices: Students were guided on how to reduce their carbon footprints by using public transport, recycling, and conserving energy.
Collaboration: The importance of working with local organizations, governments, and international bodies to address climate issues was highlighted.
After the break, a dynamic panel discussion on “The Role of Youth and Climate Action” took place. The panel included Abdishakur Daaha as a panelist, Safia Shukri as a moderator, and several high school students from the district. The discussion covered the following topics:
- Personal Experiences and Perspectives:
- Students shared their personal experiences with climate change and its impact on their communities, providing real-life context to the discussion.
- Abdishakur Daaha and the moderator facilitated the dialogue, ensuring that each student had the opportunity to contribute.
- Challenges and Opportunities:
- The panelists discussed the challenges young people face in contributing to climate action, such as lack of resources, support, and awareness.
- Opportunities for youth involvement in climate action were also explored, including educational programs, community projects, and partnerships with NGOs.
- Innovative Ideas and Solutions:
- Students proposed various innovative ideas for tackling climate change, such as starting local recycling programs and initiating tree-planting campaigns.
- The panelists provided feedback and additional insights on how these ideas could be implemented effectively.
Impact and Feedback
The session was highly successful in engaging and inspiring the students. The following were the Key outcomes:
- Increased Awareness: Students gained a deeper understanding of climate change and the crucial role they can play in addressing it.
- Motivation and Empowerment: The lecture and the panel discussion motivated the students to take action and become advocates for environmental sustainability in their communities.
- Practical Knowledge: Students were left with practical steps and innovative ideas that they could implement immediately to contribute to climate action.
Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experts and engage in meaningful discussions. They appreciated the interactive format of the session, which allowed them to voice their opinions and ideas.
Conclusion
The one-day session on “The Role of Youth in Climate Action” not only educated and empowered the youth in ABE centers but also fostered a sense of responsibility and urgency regarding climate change.
