by Harun Mugambi (additional reporting by Rosalind Mukami),
Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, a transformative initiative is taking root. The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ), an initiative pioneered by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and its partners, is set to host its fourth cohort at Chuka University from Sunday, June 23, 2024, to Sunday, July 7, 2024.
The NSSCJ is more than just a school; it's an intergenerational platform designed to share, learn, and network on disruptive ideas that are needed to catalyze economy-wide transformation in a climate-catastrophic world. Since its inception amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the NSSCJ has successfully delivered three cohorts, with over 1500 alumni now equipped to advance climate justice perspectives through local, national, sub-national, regional, and global interventions.
One such alumnus is Ian Nguthi Wachira, a digital climate activist who believes that "the economy and the societal social pillar are on the environment, so we cannot have a well-doing economy and society without taking care of the environment first.”
The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ) is an initiative pioneered by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and its partners. The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice Cohort IV will be hosted by Chuka University, in collaboration with a consortium of Universities from the Mt. Kenya East Region. The co-hosting Universities in this consortium are Meru University of Science and Technology, University of Embu, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kirinyaga University, and Karatina University.
Potential participants include climate justice advocates, activists, and campaigners, policymakers, grassroots community leaders, academics, climate scientists, researchers, representatives from smallholder organizations, trade union members, leaders of civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, self-help groups, youth groups, women’s groups, and others deeply committed to addressing the most profound challenge society has ever faced.
The NSSCJ is a platform designed to foster interaction, learning, mentorship, inspiration, and networking around disruptive ideas essential for sparking economy-wide transformation in a climate-catastrophic world. It brings together seasoned scholar-activists, community scholars, young climate justice advocates, and practitioners The NSSCJ has transformed into a significant gathering where innovative ideas take shape, and emerging advocates are nurtured. Attendees share experiences, thoughts, and insights on the worldwide landscape, engaging in conversations about the shift toward fair, inclusive paths for low-carbon, climate-resilient development through practical and clear-cut modules.
Beyond formal sessions, the NSSCJ encourages ongoing education, as alumni pledge to extend their impact within their communities. They instigate imaginative collective initiatives to tackle pressing local challenges that impede climate justice. Since its establishment amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the school has effectively organized three cohorts, providing valuable opportunities to around 1500 participants from 73 countries across the globe.
The goal of the NSSCJ is to awaken, equip, and inspire a new generation of actors in Africa and globally to address the question of climate justice, including intra and inter-generational equity.
The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice will be delivered in various blended learning approaches including lectures, presentations, case studies, audio-visual media, facilitated discussions, group exercises, and field visits. There will be online transmission via Zoom for shortlisted virtual applicants.
NSSCJ is structured to have:
An online pre-training session All successful applicants will be required to take part in an online pre-training survey.
In-person training session: The shortlisted participants who will complete the online pre-training session, will qualify to attend the intense 12 days of physical in-person training from June 24th to July 7th, 2024, at Chuka University, Kenya.
Post-training sessions: NSSCJ will organize networking sessions to bring together the NSSCJ alumni to continue connecting and growing the climate justice movement.
Certification and recognition
Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded certificates.
Eligibility Requirements
Have an O-level certificate or the equivalent high school matriculation.
Be between 18-35 years at the time of application
Have fluency in English and French languages;
Have a valid passport (for non-Kenyan applicants).
As the application deadline rapidly approaches, prospective participants find themselves on the brink of a unique opportunity. The NSSCJ is not just about empowering Africa's youth; it's about sparking youth-led global climate action.
For more information about the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, its application process, dates, and other essential details, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website.
photo courtesy of Google Images.
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