In July 2025, TEDI embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in Nairobi, Kenya – the launch of the Youth Eco-Resilience Project (Y.E.R.), funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ VIRT-EXCH program. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary cross-continental partnership between young leaders from Africa and Europe, united to address climate-induced challenges through education, advocacy, and community action.
Forging International Partnerships for Climate Justice
The journey to Nairobi represented more than geographical movement, it symbolized the bridging of continents, cultures, and shared aspirations. As we boarded our flight from Tanzania on July 6th, our team carried not just materials for workshops, but a collective vision for empowering youth as agents of environmental change.
The Youth Eco-Resilience Project brings together young innovators from eight nations: Greece, Italy, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Sweden, Germany, and Tanzania. This diverse coalition reflects our belief that climate solutions must be as interconnected as the challenges we face.
“When young people from different continents unite around a common purpose, we don’t just share ideas we create a new paradigm for global climate action.” — Jackline M., Y.E.R.Deligate
Capacity Building for the Climate Generation
Over seven intensive days, participants engaged in:
- Leadership development workshops focused on climate advocacy
- Skills training in project management and digital communication
- Community mapping exercises for climate vulnerability assessment
- Design thinking sessions for local solution development
Kibera YMCA: Grounding Theory in Reality
Our field visit to the Kibera YMCA Educational Centre provided profound context for our discussions. Meeting students who navigate environmental challenges daily reinforced the urgency of our mission. The exchange highlighted:
- The critical need for localized climate education
- Innovative waste management solutions emerging from informal settlements
- The resilience of youth in climate vulnerable communities
Tangible Outcomes and Future Roadmap
The Nairobi convening produced concrete deliverables that will shape our collective work:
- A shared digital platform for ongoing collaboration
- Six-month action plans for each participating country
- Training modules for climate leadership development
- Cross-border mentorship pairings
“This project isn’t about creating temporary enthusiasm we’re building sustainable structures for youth-led climate action that will outlast our individual involvement.”
— David K., Kenyan Delegate
The Path Forward
In the coming months, TEDI will focus on:
- Implementing community-based training programs in Tanzania
- Developing digital resources for climate education
- Establishing partnerships with local environmental organizations
- Preparing for the next Y.E.R. gathering in Europe
This Nairobi experience has fundamentally transformed our approach to youth empowerment and climate action. The connections made, lessons learned, and commitments established will resonate through our work for years to come.
