A group of young activists from East Africa is calling on world leaders to prioritize climate action and protect education at the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan.
Extreme weather events, including heatwaves and floods, have forced the closure of schools across the region, disrupting the education of millions of children.
Siama, a 17-year-old from South Sudan, missed two weeks of school in April due to soaring temperatures.
“Our country lacks climate-resilient infrastructure, and schools are not equipped with air conditioning,” she explained.
Naomi, a 14-year-old from South Sudan, faced similar challenges.
“I was preparing for my national exams, and the school closures significantly impacted my studies,” she said.
“The heat made it difficult to concentrate, forcing us to take frequent breaks to cool down.”
In Somalia, Nafiso, a 16-year-old, expressed concerns about the long-term effects of climate change on her community.
“My father is a farmer, and extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and floods, have made it difficult to produce food,” she said.
“Sometimes, we don’t have enough to eat.”
These young activists are urging world leaders to take immediate action to address climate change and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in education.
They believe that protecting their education is essential to securing a sustainable future for their generation.