Youth as from Toolkit skills and Innovation Hub meets Delegates on the Eve of Africa Climate Week 2023

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The youth have today showcased their innovations and technical skills in Agriculture and food production in efforts to mitigate climate change.

A team of delegations from different countries who are expected to attend the inaugural Africa Climate Summit on Sunday visited the Toolkit for Skills & Innovation Hub (TTI) to learn how technology is impacting skills in the move to mitigate climate change.

The high-level dialogue meeting was centered on the theme ‘Skilling Africa’s Youth for an Inclusive & Just Transition. The meeting took place at Toolkit and Innovation Hub (TTI) Center in Thogoto, the event represents a significant milestone in shaping the trajectory of youth development across the African continent.

Mutula Kilonzo- Governor of Makueni County underscored the indispensable role of skilled youth in achieving an inclusive and just transition.

The county boss further highlighted the importance of investing in youth to ensure long-term prosperity.

“Makueni County is dedicated to providing our youth with the skills they need to succeed. This event showcases the significance of such initiatives in creating a more equitable and resilient future,”Said Makueni Boss.

Wanjira Mathai – Managing Director, Africa & Global Partnerships, WRI, pointed out the critical need for collaboration across stakeholders. She commented, “Initiatives like TTI’s thrive on partnerships.

“Collaborations between governments, the private sector, and organizations like ours are essential to effectively scale impactful programs. Together, we can empower youth to drive the transformative change needed for a sustainable future.”

According to Jane Muigai-Kamphius, founder and director of Toolkit for Skills and Innovation Hub, African youth should tap into climate change space for employment.

“TTI takes pride in having trained over 6,000 youth, equipping them with skills that align with the job market. Our innovative programs blend technical training with life skills, ensuring comprehensive development. Through strategic partnerships, we envision extending our impact to train over 47,000 more youth.”

The event also revealed the findings of a comprehensive report by TTI on skilling African youth for an inclusive and just transition. The report highlighted the crucial role of targeted skills development in enhancing climate resilience and facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable industries. The report also identified challenges and opportunities for scaling up youth skilling initiatives, offering a strategic roadmap for stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

The team of delegations were taken through the Youth Skills Bazaar, a hands-on exhibition showcasing Toolkit’s initiatives in renewable energy, Virtual Reality-based welding, and agribusiness. A panel discussion followed, moderated by Wanjira Mathai, where speakers delved into strategies for scaling TTI’s model across the nation. The lively discourse underscored the shared commitment to empowering Africa’s youth for a prosperous and resilient future.

The Africa Climate Summit is championed by President William Ruto and aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges. This Summit will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.

The visit was organized by World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa, in collaboration with the Toolkit for Skills & Innovation Hub (TTI), the Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Sun Africa Renewable Energy Solutions.

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