Uganda, like many nations, bears the brunt of climate change. Its agriculture-dependent economy is increasingly disrupted by droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns that devastate livelihoods and deepen vulnerabilities.
However, amidst these challenges, one critical gap stands out: the lack of climate education. Many young people remain unaware of the causes, effects, and solutions to the climate crisis, despite being among the most impacted and the most capable of leading change.
Recognizing this gap, Fridays for Future Uganda, in partnership with the Black and Indigenous Liberation Movement, has designed the Climate Education and Literacy program to equip young Ugandans with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to address climate challenges head-on.
It envisions a generation of informed youth ready to lead sustainable, community-driven solutions to mitigate climate change and build resilient communities.
On November 6 2024, the program made a significant impact through climate education sessions held at Lwamata Secondary School and Kiboga Progressive Secondary School. These sessions were not just about sharing knowledge but about igniting a sense of ownership and action among students.
Through dynamic and interactive discussions, students explored the science behind climate change, its local and global impacts, and actionable steps they can take to make a difference in their communities.
A core theme of these sessions was the empowerment of youth as leaders in climate action.
The program emphasized that young people are uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo and drive the changes needed for a more resilient future. From advocating for climate justice to influencing policies that prioritize sustainability, the sessions underscored the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives.
Prisca Kajumba, the team lead, delivered a powerful message urging youth to collaborate in tackling climate change.
“We must join forces, speak out, and act now to ensure we leave behind a planet that can sustain future generations,” she said. Her words resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to see themselves as key players in the global effort to combat climate change.
To reinforce these messages, the sessions included hands-on activities that brought theory into practice. Active participants were rewarded with notebooks and tree seedlings symbolizing the importance of continued learning, and as a tangible reminder that small, individual actions contribute to broader environmental conservation efforts.
Students were encouraged to plant and nurture these trees, creating a direct and lasting impact on their local ecosystems. By distributing tree seedlings, the program highlighted that youth-driven climate action begins with personal responsibility.
Through planting and caring for trees, students contribute to reducing carbon emissions while practicing environmental stewardship. When these small actions are replicated across communities, they lead to significant environmental benefits.
The immediate impact of the sessions was evident. Students felt inspired and equipped with the tools and knowledge to become environmental advocates in their communities. They were motivated to spread the message of sustainability, climate resilience, and collective action to their peers, families, and local leaders.
Joshua Musanera, a senior three student, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fridays for Future Uganda and its partners for visiting and educating them about climate change. He shared how the session deepened his understanding of environmental challenges and inspired him to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges in his community.
The Climate Education and Literacy Outreach Program is more than an educational initiative, it is a call to action. By empowering young people with knowledge, tools, and a sense of purpose, the program fosters a generation of climate leaders dedicated to a sustainable future.
With each tree planted, lessons learned, and action taken, Uganda’s youth are stepping up as the driving force behind the country’s pursuit of climate resilience and sustainability. Through these transformative efforts, Fridays for Future Uganda and its partners are proving that the power to change the world lies in the hands of informed and inspired young people.
