International Youth Camp in Rwanda: Climate Change Classes
This is one of the questions that was asked by delegates participating in a 5 day youth camp organized by the International Youth Fellowship at St Andre’ College from 15-19 August 2011 in Kigali Rwanda. The youth camp attracted about 1000 youth from different countries, with the majority of them being Rwandans from higher learning institutions and secondary schools. To keep the campers entertained, theatre groups from Nairobi, Kenya were on site with youth friendly skits, plays, poems and other on stage items.
The climate change session was presented by Dr. Landry Ndriko Mayigane, AYICC Regional Coordinator for East Africa, who talked about the effects of climate change. He spoke about the environment, how it was in the past, how it is now, and how it may look like in the future if we do not change our activities. He challenged the youth to take a more active role in curbing the effects of climate change, and stop being just recipients of decisions made at high profile meetings. He emphasized that youth should act more and be more involved in climate change campaigns.
During the highly interactive session, Dr. Landry outlined the effects of climate change with specific reference to how rainfall patterns in Africa have changed despite the fact that Africa contributes least to environmental pollution.
Towards the end of the session, Dr. Landry invited Beatrice Onyango from AIESEC to give brief comments about youth involvement in activities. She spoke about hobbies, and how relevant they should be in person’s life. She emphasized the importance of having hobbies which are connected to one’s vision and interests. This will help the youth to spend their time more productively.
Dr. Landry also mentioned the great activities that the AYICC network is involved in in Africa in and how different organizations and youth can join the network.
Prepared by Beatrice Onyango, AYICC Rwanda
Climate change recognizes no borders and so should we when it comes to fighting for the environment. great job Rwanda team! Climate change recognizes no borders and so should we when it comes to fighting for the environment. great job Rwanda team!
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