The First Edition of African Summer School 2024
The University of Nairobi hosted a two-week Summer School Program at the CHIROMO Campus. Indeed, the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA) and the University Advancement & Institutional Development have opened the first edition of the African Summer School on Climate Change and Adaptation for international undergraduate/bachelor’s students.
This program focuses on teaching and sensibilizing Kenyan and non-Kenyan students to the different concepts of Climate Change. With lectures, project group, visits and conference, it aims to help the students to develop their critical- thinking and their creativity using data and notions on Climate Change and Adaptation in Africa, create a network with international experts and students and learn about the East African region, its history and culture.
The first cohort, July 2024
-The Project Group
During the two weeks of the program, each team developed a project on a different topic using the concepts covered in class such as Nature-Based Solutions or Adaptation Pathways. This was an opportunity for the students to learn teamwork and develop their critical thinking and creativity!
-Visit of UN Headquarter Nairobi
The students and the teaching team had the chance to visit the United Nations headquarter in Nairobi. They learned about the United Nations and visited the main headquarters building. The students came out from the visit with stars in their eyes and the hope of one day working for the United Nations!
-Visits and Presentations of the UoN laboratories
The students had the chance to visit the different laboratories of the University of Nairobi. They were split into two different groups. One group visited the laboratories of UoN’s science and technology departments, while the other discovered the engineering ones. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to see all the areas covered by the Chiromo campus
-The Company Forum
During the second week of the program, we had the great pleasure of welcoming 4 speakers from TotalEnergies, Holcim, Schneider Electric and Geothermal Development Company. Their presentations not only showed to the students the measures that have been put in place to replace fossil fuels, but also encouraged them to continue developing innovative ideas and solutions.
-The Conferences
We also had the pleasure to welcome Dr Yvonne MAINGEY, Dr Benson Kenduiywo, Dr Asaah NDAMBI, Anju SHARMA and Judith MULWA for different conferences and Q&A sessions that enabled the students to expand their knowledges on Climate Change.
-The Climate Fresk
Moreover, the students discovered the Climate Fresk. This interactive and fun activity enabled everyone to gain a better understanding of climate change and to think about possible solutions for the future.
-Visit of the Wangari Maathai Institute
The students visited the Wangari Maathai Institute. They had the opportunity to see all the projects and partnerships organized by the Institute and to visit the main building and its surroundings. They even had the chance to plant a tree and become fully involved in the project of the Institute!
-Award Ceremony
During the ceremony, every participant, whether student, teacher or member of the administrative team, received a certificate! And of course, the day ended with a series of photos and farewells.