Activista Movement: Youth Embrace Green Skills as Bedrock of Inclusion

By Victor MUJIDU

Activista Movement on August 11 elucidated on the “Green Skills for Youth”, a theme for the year which strives to create a better and more sustainable future for the young generation.

The team marked the day in advance of the 12th International Youth Day by spotlighting the significance of educating young people on green skills, which not only helps in addressing the global climate issue but also in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This Green Skills theme underscores the significance of nurturing the skills of our youth and recognizing their indispensable role in global progress and development”, said Mary Wanjiru, the Activista coordinator when issuing a press statement.

In the event of the upcoming Biennial Devolution Conference scheduled from the 15th to the 19th of August in Uasin Gishu County, ActionAid International’s global youth network (Activista) hails the event as a crucial moment that will give young people a stage to demonstrate their skills on both a local and global scale. Youth inclusion, however, is crucial to the accomplishment of sustainable goals and to the creation of a sustainable world.

“We are issuing this press statement to underscore the critical importance of youth inclusion in devolution processes and to propose a strategy centered around skills development as a means to achieve this goal.”

“The engagement and empowerment of the youth population are pivotal not only for the success of devolution initiatives but also for the overall growth and sustainability of the communities”, she added.

Significance of Youth Inclusion in Devolution

To enhance inclusivity in devolution, youth must be well equipped with green skills, an initiative which in the past recent years has been underestimated in the context of national commitments to implement major international climate agreements.

In response to this, the activist movement developed policies that the government must implement to guarantee the full realization of a sustainable environment.

The structural programs include Skills Training Programs: This will be achieved through collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and industry partners to design and implement skills training programs that equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills.

The Skills Training programs are expected to “encompass a diverse range of fields, from technology and entrepreneurship to agriculture and healthcare.”

In elaborating more on this program, the Youth and community leadership and climate champion, Kevin Kiogora said that the movement will ensure the execution of the initiative to address the climate crisis and efficiency increase the community.

“We put emphasis on Green skills: knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society”, he said.

Entrepreneurial Support: Establish mentorship, incubation, and support networks for young entrepreneurs. This will encourage innovation, job creation, and economic diversification at the grassroots level.

Community Engagement: Organize workshops, town hall meetings, and youth-led forums that facilitate open dialogue between young people and local authorities. This platform encourages youth to voice their opinions, propose ideas, and actively contribute to the decision-making processes. (Meaningful public participation).

Digital Literacy Initiatives: Promote digital literacy among youth to enable them to harness technology for personal and community development. Digital skills are essential for communication, accessing information, and participating in an increasingly digital world.

Recognition and Representation: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of young individuals who make significant contributions to their communities. Encourage their representation in local councils, committees, and decision-making bodies.

Victoria Adiambo who is the Young Urban Women coordinator lauded the youth inclusion, attributing that it has a major impact in the devolved sector as well as giving opportunities to the youth to upscale their skills for better improvement.

“Youth inclusion in devolution is a noble endeavor and a pragmatic necessity for fostering resilient and inclusive communities. By elevating the banner of skills development, counties have the potential to infuse our youth with the agency to mold their destinies and actively contribute to our regions’ growth.

Her statement was further heightened by Manji Susan, the Ecovista secretary who stated that the new tactics will help youth in the realization of their dreams through innovations.

“It is our fervent recommendation that we embark upon the journey of implementing this comprehensive strategy without delay, fostering an environment wherein our youth will evolve from being passive beneficiaries to engaged architects of devolution.

“In unity, we envision a world where collaboration reigns supreme, paving the way for a better present and an even brighter future,” she said.