Youths Drive Climate Education Innovation in Africa

Climate change poses a growing threat to education in Eastern and Southern Africa, hindering children’s ability to learn and thrive. Disruptions to schooling are increasingly common due to climate shocks like heavy rainfall, extreme heat, drought, and landslides.

Evidence of Disruption

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that climate shocks directly and indirectly affect learners. These events damage school infrastructure, increase absenteeism, and impair concentration and learning outcomes. Poorer and rural learners experience the greatest learning losses during these events, exacerbating existing inequities. UNICEF estimates that 40 million children had their education disrupted as a result of climate-related disasters.

Regional Vulnerability

Eastern and Southern Africa is among the regions most susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change, with a third of the countries considered highly vulnerable. Africa is warming faster than the global average, and 2023 was the warmest year on record, with escalating heatwaves and floods compounding risks to schooling.

Impacts on Children and Youth

Children and young people are disproportionately affected by climate shocks, which deepen existing inequities and reduce opportunities to learn. In Malawi, drought has resulted in prolonged school closures and increased dropout rates. In Kenya, severe drought and flooding have destroyed livelihoods and forced families to prioritize needs over education, particularly for girls. School leaders in Rwanda report that climate change significantly impacts student attendance, and in South Africa, flooding affects school attendance and leads to closures. A study in Zimbabwe found that adolescent girls experience climate-induced health challenges, negatively impacting their education.

Evidence Gaps and Climate Education

While understanding of the intersection between education and climate change has grown, gaps in evidence remain, particularly regarding innovative and contextually relevant climate education approaches for adolescents and youths. Global and regional frameworks increasingly position education as a core pillar of climate adaptation and resilience, calling on countries to integrate climate change education. UNICEF’s ‘Strategy for Climate‑Resilient Education Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa’ (2025) highlights climate‑responsive teaching, safer school infrastructure, and strengthened early warning systems.

Adolescent and Youth Perspectives

A recent multi-country study led by CARE Zimbabwe, in collaboration with multiple partners across Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, captured insights from over 200 adolescents, youths, educators, and stakeholders. The study revealed that adolescents and youths are active co-creators of knowledge, not passive recipients. The research included data from 11 districts, collected via a standardized digital survey tool and focus group discussions. The majority of participants heard about climate change and understood its connection to various aspects of their lives. A significant majority (86% of adolescents and 97% of youths) believe climate change affects their education and skills development and desire knowledge to adapt. Schools remain the primary source of climate-related information, complemented by homes, workplaces, and community platforms.

Community Engagement and Learning Approaches

Climate education in these contexts is deeply rooted in community engagement and storytelling, with adolescents often learning through play-based approaches such as drama performances, songs, tree planting campaigns, waste management clubs, radio programs, and community meetings. Young people emphasize learning beyond the classroom through interactive, practical, and community-based experiences.

Barriers to Climate Education

Despite enthusiasm, barriers persist, including limited access to the internet, phones, and textbooks, a shortage of trained educators, and weak community engagement in rural areas. Cultural beliefs can sometimes hinder climate action, and economic instability affects school attendance.

Emerging Solutions and Recommendations

Adolescents are teaching elders about climate change, leading awareness campaigns, and using recycled materials to create learning tools. Youth recommendations consistently call for more educators to be trained in climate issues and improved internet access. Specific country insights highlight the need for practical agricultural training, early warning systems, integration of climate education into entrepreneurship and life skills, nutritional support, and safe spaces for youth dialogue and leadership. Skills-based, practical climate education strengthens young people’s adaptive capacity and economic resilience. Integrating these components across subjects can support livelihood resilience while deepening climate literacy.