Climate change is already posing a significant threat to communities across the globe, but in Kilifi County, the stakes are even higher. Here, the effects of climate change are evident in every component of daily life—from food scarcity to extreme weather events. Unfortunately, children bear the brunt of these issues, yet they are often the least responsible for causing them. If we are to secure a sustainable future, children must be at the forefront of climate action, equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand, adapt to, and ultimately prevent further damage.
Kilifi County faces a binate threat of droughts and floods that disrupt livelihoods and endanger lives. The Galana River, the region’s only estuary, alternates between two extremes: flooding its banks and displacing entire communities or drying up, leaving farmers without water to sustain crops. As a result, food security is precarious, with many families limited to basic crops like cassava and maize, which provide minimal nutritional value. Rising sea levels have worsened the situation, with teachers sometimes wading through flooded areas to reach schools, where they rescue children stranded by unexpected floods.
Recognizing the urgency of equipping the next generation to address these challenges, GIZ OneMillionTrees4Kilifi, Little Impactors, Clean Up Kenya, Mtoto News, and Sustainable Fashion organized a landmark event. Held at the Ocean Beach Resort in Malindi on November 2-3, 2024, the Pwani Children Summit was themed “Empowering Young Voices for a Sustainable Future.” This two-day event provided Kilifi’s youth with a hands-on introduction to climate science and a space to explore practical solutions.
Day 1: Learning, Discussion, and Advocacy
Day 1 was filled with informative sessions and peer-to-peer activities. The event started with a warm welcome from children’s trainer, Md Moraa, who emphasized the importance of environmental care. Through tea breaks and discussions, children bonded and set the stage for the collaborative day ahead.
One of the summit’s highlights was the group discussions facilitated by mentors and team leaders. Divided into 8 groups, each group used specially designed children’s books and a climate dictionary provided by GIZ and Mtoto News to explore topics such as climate advocacy, renewable energy, waste management, afforestation and reforestation, and climate mitigation. The group sessions culminated in presentations where children showcased their newfound knowledge.
For instance, Hellen Kariuki led her team in a presentation on climate advocacy, sharing creative ways children can express their voices through social media, poetry, songs, and art. Other groups presented on renewable energy, discussing sustainable energy use and the benefits of clean energy sources. Each presentation sparked curiosity, building a strong foundation of understanding and empowerment.
Day 2: Tree Planting, Climate Action, and Sustainable Fashion
The second day shifted focus from discussion to action. The children created a “micro-climate” at Buntwani Park by planting trees. Divided into eight groups, each team dug pits and planted trees, naming them to instill a sense of ownership and care. Names like “Turtles” and “Tembo” symbolized the children’s commitment to protecting biodiversity. This activity taught the children how small actions, like planting a tree, can contribute to combating climate change and revitalizing local ecosystems.
The day continued with a unique cloth-swapping activity. Children exchanged clothes to emphasize sustainable consumption, an important lesson on minimizing waste and reusing resources. The day ended with a fashion showcase where children displayed garments made from second-hand materials. This hands-on experience drove home the importance of reducing waste and finding creative ways to practice sustainability.
Creating Lasting Impact with the Children Climate Corner
We are committed to keeping the momentum going beyond the summit. Together with other organizations, we are looking to establish a Children Climate Corner at Maono Space. This space will serve as an educational hub where children from Kilifi can access climate-related resources, enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
By involving children in discussions, hands-on activities, and advocacy, the Pwani Children Summit demonstrated that young voices are crucial in shaping the future of climate action. Through events like this, Kilifi’s children gain the confidence and tools to be active participants in climate resilience, even as they face challenging conditions that require innovative solutions.
As Kilifi grapples with extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels, empowering its youth with environmental education and action-based knowledge is essential for sustainable development. The Pwani Children Summit was a bold step toward a future where young people are not just aware of climate change—they are part of the solution.
References:
- Climate Adaptation in Kilifi County: Understanding Local Challenges and Community Resilience. (2024). Climate Studies Journal.
- Child-Centered Climate Advocacy: Empowering Future Generations. (2023). Youth Climate Action Review.
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