Empowering Youth to Tackle Climate Change Through Games: A Recap of the Climate Games Bootcamp 2024

Last week, we were proud to host an inspiring and impactful event at the Africa Renaissance Hub in Nairobi – the Climate Games Bootcamp. From September 23rd to 27th, 2024, the Africa Alliance of YMCA, in partnership with ThinkPlace, Africa Wildlife Foundation, and local YMCA branches across Kenya, Namibia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Zimbabwe, brought together young people to learn, collaborate, and develop creative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.

The Climate Games Bootcamp is a unique initiative that uses games and gamification techniques to mobilize community action, improve climate literacy, and gather evidence for policy interventions. The goal? To build young people’s resilience to climate-related risks and prevent conflicts that may lead them into the justice system.

With over 12,000 young people set to benefit from this initiative in the coming months, the Bootcamp provided an essential foundation for the participants to take action in their communities.

A Week of Learning and Innovation

The event kicked off with a warm welcome at our newly refurbished Africa Alliance of YMCA office, setting the tone for the immersive experience that followed. Participants were introduced to YMCA’s Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Climate Games project, laying the groundwork for a week filled with insightful masterclasses, engaging activities, and interactive sessions.

Throughout the week, participants explored various topics such as design thinking, the role of youth in climate action, and biodiversity policy. They were equipped with the tools to understand complex issues through methods like ethnography and customer journey mapping, which they later applied to their communities' challenges.

Game Design for Social Change

One of the most exciting parts of the week was the introduction to game design and its potential as a tool for social change. Participants learned how to design games that not only entertain but also educate and engage communities on climate issues. Through co-creation sessions and game prototype testing at Kenya YMCA, participants collaborated to fine-tune their creations, ensuring they could be impactful in raising awareness and driving action.

Bringing It All Together

By the end of the Bootcamp, the participants had developed prototype games and tools that they could take back to their communities to create real change. With guidance from the Climate Advisory Group, participants left empowered and ready to make a difference.

The Bootcamp culminated with a celebratory dinner, where the energy and excitement for the future were palpable. It was not just the end of an event but the beginning of a movement.

We are incredibly proud of the young leaders who participated in this Bootcamp and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will create in their communities.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Climate Games initiative continues to grow!