RAUKA! AMA HATUTA SURVIVE/ ARISE! OR WE WON’T SURVIVE: YOUTH ORGANIZING FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE IN KENYA

Abstract: This thesis explores the concept of youth organizing in the context of two interrelated youth-led organizations addressing climate change in Kenya. A growing body of interdisciplinary research points to the ways in which engagement in youth organizing initiatives can contribute to the individual development of the youth involved. By engaging youth in political mobilizing efforts against forms of societal oppression, youth organizing combines social justice goals with positive youth development outcomes. In the case of AYICC-K and its parent organization KYCN, elements of youth organizing can be understood as occurring to a certain extent. For the youth engaged in the organization, climate change is envisioned as an issue of social justice – both in terms of its perceived impacts on human development and in the need for African youth to have a voice in national and international policy forums. As emphasized in one of their campaign slogans, “Arise, or we won’t survive”, a critical consciousness regarding the severe social and economic consequences of climate change has instigated social action to address these conditions. The groups are addressing climate change in a number of ways including participating in international forums, engaging in awareness raising and advocacy work, and holding public demonstrations. The youth have also identified how engagement within the organization provides access to components of positive youth development: leadership development through peer mentorship and in the formation of youth-adult partnerships. Thus, youth organizing in this context has enabled youth to become active producers of their own development.