Watch podcast episode here.

In this episode we interviewed:

• Eric Dongo, de São Lourenço dos Orgãos, Ilha de Santiago. 

• Tiago Silva, from Maio. 

Tiago, as student host can you tell us what the first Children and Youth Academy for Climate Action is? What are its objectives? And what are the students’ expectations?

The First Children and Youth Academy for Climate Action is an initiative that seeks to empower young people to face the challenges related to climate change, providing them with the knowledge and tools to become leaders and agents of transformation in their communities. I feel great pride in seeing my island chosen to host the First Children and Youth Academy for Climate Action. The Isle of May is a place of exuberant natural beauty, with unique ecosystems, and being the site of such a significant initiative reflects the importance of preserving these environments and highlights the role of islands in the fight against climate change.The expectations of the students of the First Children’s Academy for Climate Action on the Isle of May can be quite varied, but they all revolve around learning and acting for the environment.

Eric, since you are also a leader in your community, what do you think are the best ways to get more children and young people involved in climate action?

For me, the best way for young people to be involved and to try to welcome young people into a society where our role is always to evolve, to try to evolve as much as possible, is to use the means we have today, as we know we are in a technological world, to adapt to new forces.

I give as an example a great and illustrious talk we had yesterday, with young people from São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola and Mozambique where Choconesa was open and gave her all, she showed all that interest, love and empathy in being among young people.

In this way, I believe that the best ways to get more children and young people involved in climate action include creating educational programs in schools that integrate sustainability into the curriculum. In addition, we can organize community events, such as beach clean-ups and tree plantings, that encourage active participation.

It is crucial to use social media to disseminate information and mobilize young people, creating challenges and campaigns that encourage individual and collective action. We should also promote partnerships with local and international organizations that already work with young people, offering mentoring and leadership opportunities. In this way, we can cultivate a generation of young people who not only raise awareness, but become agents of change in their communities.

Eric, and how do you think we can mobilize young Cabo Verdeans to take on this leadership role within the community?

The first way to mobilize young people to take on a leadership role within our community is to set an example. A young person who doesn’t have a firm stance within society, no matter how hard they try, won’t be able to set the example that is needed to transmit trust. So the best way is to set an example and be active in the society in which we live.

Therefore, in order to mobilize young Cabo Verdeans to take on leadership roles in the community, it is crucial to create spaces where they can express themselves and get actively involved. This can include:

1. Workshops and Seminars: Organize educational events that address climate issues and encourage the active participation of young people in local solutions.
   
2. Mentoring Programs: Connect young people with community leaders and environmental experts, allowing them to learn and develop leadership skills.
   
3. Awareness Campaigns: Use social media and other platforms to disseminate information about the importance of climate action and how everyone can contribute.
   
4. Practical Projects: Encourage the implementation of sustainability projects in schools and communities, where young people can see the direct impact of their actions.
   
5. Spaces for Dialogue: Create forums where young people can discuss their ideas and concerns about the climate, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

So, by empowering them and giving voice to their concerns, we can inspire a new generation of leaders committed to climate action.

Tiago, as a future university student, how do you think climate action can be promoted at university in the country and in the diaspora?

University study offers an environment rich in knowledge, research opportunities, collaboration and activism, where you can really make a difference in the fight against climate change

To close, I would like to ask each of you to share a final message about the importance of involving young Cabo Verdeans in climate action and what we can all do to support this cause.

Tiago, will you start?

I’d like to leave you with an important message for all of us to reflect on. The planet we live on is our only home, and the climate changes we are facing clearly show us that we don’t have a Plan B or a Planet B.

The impact of our actions today will be felt by generations to come.

Transformation begins with small attitudes. Whether it’s saving water, recycling, using energy consciously or supporting conservation initiatives, we can all contribute to a more sustainable world. Our combined actions can have a huge impact. So remember: the time to act is now. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a prosperous future for our planet.

Eric, have you concluded?

Now I remember the first year I took part in the Children’s and Youth Parliament, when we were at the National Presidential Palace with the then President of the Republic, and in those presentation dynamics there was a young man from the island of São Vicente who, when introducing himself, told the President of the Republic, Dr. Jorge Carlos Fonseca, that he would be the one who would one day sit in the PR chair, and there was astonishment in that room.

So, in line with the audacity that young man had at that moment and everything that Dâmares and Tiago have already said, I say:

We don’t have a planet (plan) B, we only have planet (plan) A and any day now we may no longer have it.

So when we turn ideas into actions in this way, we can save our planet. We young people will only have a voice in this society when we are able to let our freedom flow in the environment we find ourselves in.

Whatever we can do to save this beautiful earth of ours, let’s do it!

So: the time to act is now, because the future won’t wait and the planet won’t forgive.

Author

Eric Dongo and Tiago Silva