ChildFund Ethiopia, a non-governmental organization focused on youth and child welfare, is empowering young people to tackle environmental challenges in the country. The initiative builds knowledge, skills, and leadership among youth to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development. At the recent 2nd Africa Climate Summit, a representative from Ethiopia's Child and Youth Forum highlighted the need for climate solutions centered on children, youth, and community efforts.
ChildFund Ethiopia is a non-governmental organization committed to the welfare of children and youth across the country. It views young people as key to resolving the environmental crisis, given their vulnerability to climate impacts while possessing the creativity, energy, and innovation to foster sustainable solutions amid disasters affecting millions.
Vulnerable communities have recently grappled with climate change consequences such as floods, erratic rainfall, drought, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, declining agricultural productivity, food insecurity, water scarcity, and resource conflicts, disproportionately impacting youth and children.
Alongside addressing emergency needs, ChildFund Ethiopia implements long-term livelihood programs targeting youth and children in climate-affected areas. Efforts include environmental education and awareness in communities, bolstering school-based protection initiatives, and capacity-building in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly entrepreneurship, tree planting, recycling, and climate-adaptive farming. The organization aids natural resource management, establishes child and youth climate clubs, and facilitates advocacy in local and national policy discussions. It also advances proven sustainable livelihood strategies against harsh weather.
Drawing from its experience, ChildFund's approach incorporates three core elements in its livelihood program: enhancing child- and youth-focused information and skills development; improving household livelihoods for economic and environmental resilience; and adopting a systems-based method to fortify community structures supporting children and youth during overlapping crises.
Practical implementations feature integrating Environment and Climate Change Education (CCE) into school curricula and forming school clubs where children learn, lead, and spread climate knowledge locally. These are supported by advocacy networks and training in resource management and climate-smart agriculture, turning youth into confident leaders who influence policies and practices through green skills workshops. Such skills encompass technical vocational training, business acumen, and environmental awareness, equipping youth for green jobs and self-employment, thereby encouraging innovative, sustainable livelihoods in their communities.
At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit, the Ethiopian Child and Youth Forum representative stressed the vital role of child- and youth-centered climate solutions alongside community initiatives.