A whisper from the woods

Community Blog, May 2024

May 31, 2024

Uniting Against Corruption, Climate Change, and Exclusion: African call for unity and solidarity

By Jussa Kudherezera

 

In a powerful display of solidarity, African youth activists, civil society members, and social change actors gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to address the triple threats of corruption, environmental challenges, and exclusionary decision-making processes plaguing the continent.

Representing Zimbabwe, MAYA’s (Manica Youth Assembly) Team Leader and GTI’s Regional Coordinator, Jussa Kudhedhezera, joined forces with participants from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Mauritius, to share experiences, ideas, and innovative solutions to the economic, socio-cultural, and ecological crises facing Africa.

This was a safe space for the Karibu New Realities Grant (KNRG) awardees to meet and learn from each other, and share experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of the strengths, limitations, and effects of the KNRG approach and process.

The Karibu New Realities Grant is a Karibu Foundation‘s pilot initiative aiming at supporting “bold, innovative, forward thinking, โ€œconstructive troublemakingโ€, and imaginative initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa” that add new dimensions and make the collective effort for systemic justice stronger.

Corruption, a pervasive issue undermining Africa’s development, was a major focus of the gathering. โ€œWe demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. Youth must be included in decision-making processes to ensure a brighter future for Africa”, Jussa shares.

Climate change, another pressing concern, was highlighted as a critical threat to Africa’s environment, economy, and human well-being. Jussa clearly states that “we need collective action to address the climate crisis. Youth is key for driving sustainable solutions and ensuring a livable future.”

The exclusion of youth and rural women from decision-making processes was also a major concern. “We will no longer be silenced or marginalized”, declared Kudhedhezera. And he reiterated, “youth must be given a seat at the table to contribute to policy-making and shape the future of Africa.”

The gathering emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing Africa’s challenges.

“We stand together as one Africa united against corruption, climate change, and exclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future for our continent and the world. Hope for change lies exactly in the coming together and the willingness to stand in solidarity with each other, when we realize the common need for a systematic change, concerning many local, national, and international challenges.” – Jussa

MAYA’s participation in the Nairobi gathering further demonstrated its commitment to amplifying youth voices, driving sustainable solutions, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. As Africa faces the triple threats of corruption, climate change, and exclusion, its youth are standing strong, demanding a seat at the table and a say in shaping their future.

Jussa finishes – “We rise. We build. We resist.”

 

 

Please share this. Thank you!

0 Comments

Other blog posts

Community Blog, October 2024

Every individual action matters, and we can all make a difference. Itโ€™s important to support sustainable, local products whenever possible. There are even apps that rate the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the brands we choose. Palm oil production has had devastating effects on wildlife, yet many popular brands still use unsustainable palm oil. A simple step you can take today is to remind yourself to shop consciously.ย 

Community Blog, October 2024

The theme for this yearโ€™s World Food Day is โ€œRight to foods for a better life and a better futureโ€. The term โ€œfoodsโ€ stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. The idea is that a greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available for everyone so that every single citizen has the chance to lead a balanced and nutritious life.

Food For Thought, October 2024

Do not forget that your path towards a plant-based diet will necessarily be different than that of the person next to you, and thatโ€™s okay! Respect your rhythm, respect yourself and keep it up!

The path to plant based diet

I made a decision to stop eating meat and adopt a predominantly plant-based diet after listening to a talk on veganism at the Habit Alignment Key (HAK) retreat in Bendigo, Australia, in 2023.

Traveling with Trees, September 2024

The Baobab Tree in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is incredible! You are literally traveling back in time thinking of this treeโ€™s history.

Food For Thought, September 2024

As a bread maker, I am often asked if I sell gluten-free (GF) bread and other baked goods. In fact, this is becoming increasingly common. It is my personal experience – through my work – that more and more people are restricting gluten consumption or setting it aside altogether.

Celebrating Youth Impact Through Tree Planting: A Collaborative Success Story

International Youth Day, celebrated each year on August 12th, is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential young people have to shape a greener, more sustainable future.ย 

Food For Thought, August 2024

A vibrant, fresh salad is all I want to eat during warm Summer days. There probably is a biological reason for that, as well as an interesting ecological response.

The Amazonian Agouti: Nature’s unsung gardener

A typical day for an Agouti involves wandering around the forest all day long, taking swims and hiding from predators such as Jaguars. These activities define their daily routine in their lush habitat.

Ask me (almost) anything, July 2024

My understanding about environmental management continues to evolve and change as we realize the extent of our global impacts on natural ecosystems. Looking for clues in the way animals and plants interact at the simplest level can lead to deep insight.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our newsletter. Stay tuned to all our news. There is more to come.

You have Successfully Subscribed!