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The five-day 2024 Youth Climate Champions Bootcamp was not just a gathering of minds, but a journey of discovery, networking, and practical skill-building. As Laura Ncube, an intern with the South African Climate Action Network, recounts it was a space where incredible innovators came together with a shared passion for advocacy and climate action.
After a long day of travel, the participants arrived a little tired, but full of excitement. The day kicked off with a gift exchange activity led by Didintle Mathibe, Circular Economy Analyst at WWF. Each person was asked to bring a small gift, which turned out to be a perfect way for the participants to get to know one another. These thoughtful gifts created a spark of connection, leading to deep conversations and the start of what would become meaningful friendships.
I had my doubts about how the group would stay focused after the long journey, but thanks to Innocentia Modau, YCC Project Manager at WWF, the sessions were well-planned, ensuring that everyone remained engaged.
We ended the day with a storytelling activity where participants advocated for the Just Energy Transition using personal narratives. The collective consensus: simple language is crucial for inclusivity, and the Just Transition must ensure that no-one, especially workers, should be left behind.
The second day kicked off with a powerful presentation on climate change and democracy by Otsile Nkadimeng, founder of the Sundial Movement. The presentation was virtual and we quickly realised that any future bootcamps should aim to have speakers present in person for maximum engagement. Yet, the thoughtfully drafted programme ensured energising breaks.
Next up was Fani Miya, a communications intern at We The People South Africa, who led a session on constitutional literacy and climate change. A former bootcamp participant, Fani educated participants on how to use the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as tools for environmental advocacy. Once again, storytelling proved to be a powerful mechanism for connecting people and ideas. Each participant shared their personal experience with climate change, reminding us that the climate crisis is deeply personal and universal at the same time.
Our third day started on a calming note with Dr Anesu Mbizvo, the founder and co-owner of The Nest Space, who led us in a mindfulness and resilience session. Activism can be exhausting, so the breathing exercises and outdoor stretching served as a great reminder that self-care is critical in the fight for climate justice.
We were then taken on an exciting ride into the world of social media with a session by Alex Human, Social Media Officer at WWF. Participants were tasked with creating climate-related social media posts using catchy phrases and trending hashtags to maximise reach. This hands-on activity highlighted the immense power of social platforms in driving awareness and action for climate change. The content created by participants sparked interest and put smiles on our faces as they also were humorous.
The penultimate day was the absolute highlight for me. The Global Africa Model United Nations Agency (GAMA) team hosted a Youth Parliament session where participants took on the role of ministers.
Each "minister" had the responsibility to read their “Cabinet Packs” and draft their positions on the implementation of the Climate Change Act to ensure their departments worked towards fighting climate change.
The GAMA team consolidated the interviews prepared by the participants to draft the YCC Climate Change Act Implementation Strategy 2024. It was both educational and empowering to step into the shoes of decision-makers, putting learning into practice.
The GAMA team recognised James Njoloza, a Rhodes University SRC and Columba Leadership alumnus, as the Best Delegate during the bootcamp. His exceptional passion, creativity and leadership qualities shone throughout the programme. His outstanding contributions, particularly in the Youth Parliament session where he helped craft the YCC Climate Change Act Implementation Strategy, earned him this well-deserved honor. This award not only acknowledges his commitment to addressing climate issues but also positions him as a rising star in climate advocacy and youth engagement.
The final day was filled with a mix of emotions. As we packed up and prepared to leave, we shared laughs, photos and final reflections. One of the most touching moments was the formation of the YCC Bootcamp WhatsApp Community, where participants still connect today, supporting one another on their respective climate change journeys. (You can look out for our hashtag #YCCinaction on social media).
In the end, the YCC Bootcamp was more than just a training programme. It was a space where young changemakers could learn, connect and grow, leaving with a stronger sense of purpose and the tools to make real-world impact.
Looking back, I can confidently say that the bootcamp didn't just meet our expectations, it exceeded them. I look forward to seeing how each of us continues to shine in our own climate action journeys.
Find out more about the Climate Ambition to Accountability Project