DOT Announces Expansion of Youth-Led Climate Action Program Across Eight Countries, Supported by the Cisco Foundation

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) is pleased to announce the expansion of the DOT Climate Program with support from the Cisco Foundation. This builds on the success of the pilot climate project in Lebanon and Tanzania, which will continue in the expanded initiative. This new phase, “Youth-led Climate Action at Scale,” will broaden DOT’s climate program to include Jordan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi, creating greater global impact while deepening the impact in Lebanon and Tanzania.

Young people are at the forefront of climate change, particularly those living in communities that are experiencing its most significant impacts. Through the “Youth-led Climate Action at Scale” project, DOT continues to harness their motivation, creativity, and digital skills, empowering them to drive meaningful action in their communities. By focusing on scalable, youth-led solutions, DOT’s Climate Program not only builds climate resilience, but inspires others to join the movement, shifting mindsets through ownership by local communities.

The project will train 144 Climate Champions who will reach 2600 community members across six countries.  Another 1250 young people will participate in DOT’s online climate learning experience, assisted by an AI Chatbot and virtual mentorship.  Through a Master Trainer approach and self-paced virtual learning experiences, young people will gain climate change knowledge and the skills and tools needed to develop climate initiatives and raise community awareness among thousands of citizens. The model has been proven to build resilience to the stresses experienced in climate vulnerable communities. 

The initial pilot project was launched in Lebanon and Tanzania where 19 young leaders -8 from Tanzania and 11 from Lebanon – were empowered with the knowledge and tools to lead climate action in their communities. During a month of in-person training sessions, the Climate Champions were immersed in a curriculum that covered climate science, climate justice, participatory action research, indigenous knowledge, digital storytelling, and leadership skills. The Climate Champions then engaged over 600 community members in awareness campaigns and inclusive conversations, co-creating climate solutions tailored to local needs. Impressive initiatives have resulted – for example mangrove forest restoration and plastic waste reduction projects.  

With the expansion of the program, Climate Champions from the program’s first cohort will serve as Climate Ambassadors, acting as coaches to the new cohort – guiding and supporting them as they develop youth-led climate solutions. As Climate Ambassadors, they will receive advanced climate coaching skills through the Green Transition Coach course provided by Climate Change Coaches, further enhancing their climate leadership capacities. As co-creators and pioneers, their dedication and insight have been instrumental in shaping and expanding the program to new countries and amplifying its impact across many more communities.

The “Youth-led Climate Action at Scale” project is further reinforcement of DOT’s steadfast commitment to empowering young people as leaders of change in the climate action space. This is a call to action from the DOT global youth network to support youth-led climate resilience.  Join us to champion youth voices,  celebrate with us youth-led climate awareness, creativity and action, and work with us toward a sustainable future.