Empowering Youth: The SMACHS County Youth Ambassadors Begin Their Journey
Did you know that youth-led efforts in climate action are increasingly recognised as essential to tackling global challenges? In Kenya, young people are in charge of the fight against climate change and food insecurity, with over 70% of the population under 30. On Monday, 25th November 2024, the SMACHS County Youth Ambassadors gathered at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) for an impactful workshop that marked the beginning of their transformative journey toward climate-smart agriculture and climate action. This workshop was not just an educational session but a rallying call for the youth to step up and become the driving force behind sustainable agricultural practices in their communities.
Key Knowledge Shared:
Unity and Shared Purpose: The workshop began with an opening prayer and welcoming remarks, setting the tone for a collaborative and impactful journey. Ambassadors from all 47 counties in Kenya united with one purpose: to tackle climate change and food insecurity using innovative solutions that youth leadership can provide. In addition to learning from experts, the ambassadors shared their personal experiences, challenges, and local initiatives, enriching the collective knowledge and fostering a sense of unity.
Introduction to SMACHS Foundation: Nathan Ng’etich, the CEO of SMACHS Foundation, shared the organization’s mission and vision, stressing the importance of youth leadership in addressing climate change. This session helped the ambassadors recognize their role in driving positive change. They were not just participants but key leaders in Kenya’s climate action agenda, empowered to share their unique perspectives and solutions from their counties.
Understanding the Role of County Youth Ambassadors: Wesly Museve, head of partnerships and operations at SMACHS, discussed the ambassadors’ multifaceted roles, focusing on leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. The ambassadors learned that their responsibilities went beyond just raising awareness—they would be instrumental in shaping sustainable agricultural practices and influencing climate policy in their counties. Through group discussions, they exchanged ideas on how to best implement these roles, learning from each other’s approaches.
Team Building for Knowledge Sharing: With the guidance of Anthill, a team-building partner, the ambassadors participated in an exercise that fostered collaboration, and idea-sharing, and strengthened their network. This exercise underscored the importance of working together to make a meaningful impact. The ambassadors learned from each other’s experiences and strategies, strengthening their commitment to the collective effort.Key Takeaways:
By the end of the day, the ambassadors felt more connected and equipped to lead climate action in their counties. They left with a clearer sense of their vital role in shaping sustainable agricultural practices and climate action strategies, knowing that they were part of a larger movement that would ripple across their communities.