Climate Advocacy and Education: Empowering the Next Generation of the Girl Child at the Action in Africa Center
On Friday, 23rd January, the Action in Africa Center was energized with creativity and a powerful sense of purpose. In partnership with the Creative Action Institute under the Sauti Ya Dada program, AIA hosted a Community Advocacy Practicum Event that spotlighted one of the most pressing issues: the effects of climate change on girls' education. While climate change is often discussed in terms of statistics and weather patterns, our girls showed the community that it is also a deeply human story, one that directly impacts a girl’s ability to stay in school and succeed.
Kaliika Olivia, a local government official in attendance said that she often watches the news and sees older sisters carrying their younger siblings while crossing flooded trenches after heavy rains on their way to school. Sadly, some fail to cross and are forced to return home, missing lessons.
The heart of the ceremony was the girls’ incredible showcase. Through drama skits, artwork/posters, and poetry, they translated complex environmental issues into relatable stories. The drama scenes depicted how environmental changes, such as water scarcity, drought, heavy rainfall, and unpredictable harvest seasons, place extra burdens on the girl child. These challenges often force girls to miss classes to help at home and compel parents to seek loans in order to educate their daughters. Through poetry, the girls also called for the protection of their environment and their right to learn, regardless of the changing climate.
The event was not just a performance; it was a dialogue between the girls, parents, and local leaders. The presence of community leaders ensured that the voices of these young advocates reached those who can help implement local change. CAI Regional Coordinator Reuben Chacha graced the ceremony, alongside local dignitaries and our dedicated program participants who witnessed the presentations. When we talk about climate change, we are talking about the future. If a girl’s education is interrupted by the effects of a changing planet, we lose her potential as a leader, changemaker, innovator, and problem-solver. By addressing these challenges together, we are not just protecting the environment, we are protecting the next generation of female leaders.
The advocacy began with community research conducted by the girls in Nakuwadde to identify barriers to their education. Their findings revealed that the most significant obstacle is the high cost of school fees relative to low household incomes. This economic challenge is directly linked to climate change, as most local families rely on agriculture. When unpredictable weather impacts crop yields, parents are left unable to fund their daughters’ education.
“I am happy to be reunited with my parents. My sincere thanks go to Sauti Ya Dada for their initiative and Action in Africa for their dedication to nurturing the girl child,” said Ssembeguya Fred, Headteacher at Riverside High School.
Brenda Kisakye, representative of Girls and Young Women for Climate Change Action expressed her excitement to join the advocates and shared how her organization raises climate awareness among girls. She emphasized their mission to educate elders and stakeholders on sustainable waste management, particularly transforming waste into reusable materials.
