Canadian Jesuits International is supporting a project by the International Movement of Catholic Students-Africa Pax Romana (IMCS) that will train 30 Catholic student leaders in 25 countries in Africa  to become climate change champions. Canadian participation in the program is being explored. 

The project, Climate Justice Africa Youth Fellowship Program, will train 34 fellows (15 English-speaking and 15 French-speaking university-level student leaders in Africa, and four Anglophone and Francophone in Canada) in leadership and advocacy, social entrepreneurship, networking, and collaboration through a six-month online course. The virtual training will include module-based assignments.  

The program’s training manual will be certified by a university partner and assessments will be conducted to evaluate participants’ knowledge and skills, as well as their participation in advocacy and social enterprise programs.  

The program will also include a “Green Business Competition Awards,” which will encourage participants to submit green business proposals, and an “Incubation Hub,” which will connect them with various social enterprises.  

The overall goal of this project is to improve the dissemination of  climate justice knowledge, engage youth in proactive action, and foster collaborative projects, according to IMCS’ project description.  The Nairobi-based ICMS  will work  to ensure that upon completion of the program, fellows will receive a certification that is recognized by institutions and enhances their professional advancement.  

The Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA) will provide technical support for the project.