Empowering Youth to Tackle Climate Change: The Story of 3Es Experience and Climate Fresk-Kenya.
Climate change is an undeniable reality that is causing unprecedented changes to our planet. In recent times, we have witnessed the devastating effects of climate change, from flooding in Kenya and Dubai, harsh wind storms in Dubai to falling clouds from the sky in other parts of the world. These events have led to the loss of lives, displacement of people, and destruction of property and infrastructure. It is clear that we need to take action to combat and mitigate climate change, and one non-profit organization is doing its part to promote quality education on the topic.
3Es Experience is a non-profit organization with a mandate to enhance the livelihoods of communities through the promotion of clean energy via clean cooking and solar lighting, fostering a reading culture in students, providing mentorship, and promoting environmental conservation. Its objectives are exercised through its three pillars: Energy, Environment, and Empowerment. As part of its environmental initiatives, the organization has collaborated with Climate Fresk-France to advance the cause of quality education on climate change. Additionally, it has established a Kenyan Chapter named Climate Fresk-Kenya.
The workshop happens through a series of cards divided into three sets. The cards are placed on a flat surface, and the group then discusses how the cards relate to each other and work together to finally form a chart-like structure that shows the causes, effects, and consequences of climate change. After completing the exercise, the groups are encouraged to discuss possible practical solutions to climate change. Participants are encouraged to take up action in environmental conservation, such as tree planting, cleanups, and become agents of change by gaining knowledge and influencing their community on climate change. Participants are also encouraged to become green actors for the society by taking up green careers.
Climate Fresk-Kenya has successfully conducted 30 workshops that have trained over 1,000 people so far in less than 3 yrs. The participants comprise of university students and professionals from diverse fields such as Kenya Climate Innovation Center, Gjenge Makers, and Ubunifu Hub. The universities that have been trained include Strathmore, Cooperative, Egerton, Jomo Kenyatta, MultiMedia, among others. The organization plans to train more youth in 2024 in a bid to involve more youth in Climate Action and provide platforms for them to come up with solutions to our environmental issues.
It is clear that if we do not invest in quality education on climate change and take action, we will experience even harsher climatic changes than we are currently experiencing. Let's all do our part to combat climate change and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.