Introduction
The Young Sustainable Urbanization Digital Activists (YoSUDA) initiative is a cornerstone of the Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization (SCEJU) Project, co-funded by the European Union. While SCEJU primarily focuses on empowering communities in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Makueni Counties in Kenya, the YoSUDA platform has garnered over 7,000 applications from youth across Africa, underscoring its international appeal and relevance.
Through a robust e-learning platform, YoSUDA is equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to lead transformative change in sustainable water and waste management (SWWM) and urban governance.
A Comprehensive E-Learning Platform
The YoSUDA e-learning platform offers four comprehensive courses designed to build capacity among youth, women, and civil society actors:
1️⃣ Digital Advocacy for Sustainable Water and Waste Management
This course introduces the fundamentals of digital campaigning, linking advocacy with communication strategies and providing step-by-step guidance to develop, execute, and evaluate impactful digital campaigns. Learners engage in practical exercises such as drafting advocacy plans, choosing appropriate digital platforms, and crafting compelling storytelling content.
2️⃣ Sustainable Water Management
This module covers water conservation, water quality and treatment, urban water infrastructure, and the impact of climate change on water resources. Participants learn about Kenya’s water policies, including the National Water Act, 2016, and explore community-based water quality monitoring to ensure safe and equitable water access in informal settlements.
3️⃣ Sustainable Waste Management
This course unpacks waste management concepts, from the Five R’s (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) to the legal frameworks that guide waste management in Kenya. Learners explore both formal and informal waste management systems and examine practical solutions like recycling, waste-to-energy technologies, and harmonizing interventions.
4️⃣ Personal Development
Recognizing that advocacy success depends on effective leadership, this module focuses on leadership skills, personal branding, goal setting, and mentorship. Participants conduct self-assessments, develop personal brand strategies, and learn to harness social media to amplify their voices.
A Growing Movement with International Appeal
Since the call for applications last year, YoSUDA has received over 7,000 applications from youth across Africa, demonstrating that the need for climate-resilient urban solutions resonates beyond Kenya’s borders. While the SCEJU Project focuses on three Kenyan counties, YoSUDA’s open-access digital platform serves as a continental hub for youth-led learning and digital advocacy.
Empowering Youth and Women to Lead
YoSUDA prioritizes the inclusion of young women and marginalized groups to ensure diverse perspectives shape urban sustainability solutions. Through targeted modules on gender-responsive advocacy, digital safety, and inclusive storytelling, YoSUDA ensures that no voice is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable cities.
Aligning Local Action with National and Global Goals
YoSUDA’s curriculum is aligned with Kenya’s Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and key water policies, ensuring participants understand the national frameworks guiding SWWM. Moreover, YoSUDA’s efforts support Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by equipping communities to tackle climate challenges at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
YoSUDA embodies the transformative power of digital advocacy, community empowerment, and inclusive learning. Under the guidance of the SCEJU Project—co-funded by the European Union—and with the collaborative support of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES-Kenya), Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), YoSUDA is nurturing a generation of young leaders ready to reshape urban sustainability across Africa.