Empowering CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) and other Youth Leaders with technical knowledge and expertise to confront the global challenge of climate change is a main goal of the upcoming “CARICOM Climate Change and Health Orientation and Training for CYAs and Youth Leaders” which will take place from 23-26 April at the CARICOM Secretariat’s Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.
Over 30 youth advocates and regional stakeholders comprising representatives from groups such as UWI STAT (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow), Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps, the University of Guyana and other academic and youth-oriented entities are also expected to participate in this four-day initiative.
This training programme aligns seamlessly with the CARICOM Secretariat’s Climate Change and Health Programme (CCHP) which is aimed at deepening awareness of how climate change affects health and disseminating knowledge on prevention and adaptation measures to reduce greenhouse gases.
According to Michele Small-Bartley, Deputy Programme Manager, Youth Development, CARICOM Secretariat, the exercise is intended to elevate youth leaders’ awareness of the health impacts of climate change and enhance their engagement in identifying and implementing effective strategies to mitigate these impacts.
“The workshop will provide these young leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and tools for identifying and addressing climate change-induced health issues within their respective countries and communities,” she explained. She also reiterated that the workshop seeks to extend support in developing national and community projects geared towards bolstering efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on health and address community needs.
Mitigating the effects of climate change in the Region has already been a priority for the CYAs under the CCHP. In St Kitts and Nevis, CYAs implemented a six-month project in which youth were engaged in implementing household waste management techniques to reduce methane emissions and the effects of climate change. The project helped 20 young people develop an understanding and garner knowledge of composting biodegradable material techniques.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there was “The Eco Restorers Project”, where young climate change advocates learned about the recycling process, how it helps mitigate the effects of climate change and how to convert recycled products into sustainable business ideas. This project partnered with a local recycling company, Recycling Waste and Logistics Limited, allowing another 20 young participants to benefit from an enriching practical entrepreneurial incubator experience. The training exercise will build on these achievements by the CYAs.
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM support the capacity-building initiative.
