Joining Hands and Hearts: My Life-Changing Experience at the 2024 Climate Justice Camp
Do I need to confirm? How am I going to pay for my trip? Why do they only fund people who are not from Tanzania? It will cost me money. This year I finished my first degree. I am not employed. Can this cost me money? No, does it improve my professional life? However, because Mr. Lusanzu has experience, I’ll give him a call before deciding on this. (After receiving an approved email asking for my confirmation to join Climate Justice Camp 20245 at MS-TCDC in Arusha, I asked myself those questions in a lengthy debate.) It took a week, so I’m at a loss on what to do. Also, I don’t have experience, although my mind pushes me to attend the camp.
I found myself standing at the Ester luxury bus station in Urafiki, Dar es Salaam, on the morning of October 7, 2024, feeling both excited and uneasy as I awaited the commencement of my travel at 5:00 pm. After Mr. Lusanzu told me about an experience, I was just getting started on my way to the Global Climate Justice Camp in Arusha, Tanzania. I had never been to such an event before, and although I was apprehensive at first because I was paying for the trip myself, I felt in my heart that this would be a transformative experience. As I started my 12-hour drive to Arusha, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my responsibility as I represented TIBA, where I work as a project officer.
As I arrived at the MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation, located in the beautiful hills of Arusha, allocated in a house where I met with my brothers, who we studied at the same university, and others from Zimbabwe and Mauritia, my nerves began to calm. The landscape, with its stunning mountains and refreshing air, provided a peaceful setting that contrasted sharply with the seriousness of our mission of fighting for climate justice. The camp organizers greeted me warmly, and soon I was introduced to fellow youth advocates from around the world: Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, the Arab world, and other parties of the world. The energy and diversity in the room were deep. We were all united by one common goal: addressing climate change and its inequities.
I was especially excited to present the DADA GENGE Hub, a project I hold dear to my heart. The project focuses on empowering small-scale women vegetable vendors and farmers who are on the front lines of the climate crisis. Their livelihoods are directly affected by unpredictable weather patterns, and through the Hub, we aim to build their climate resilience. One of our key projects is raising funds for 200 large umbrellas to shield these women from harsh sun and rain in busy marketplaces. Standing before my fellow advocates, I proudly shared our vision, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to uplifting these women and protecting their livelihoods.
However, the camp wasn’t all about presentations and work. There was ample room for connection, creativity, and joy. One of the most memorable moments for me was participating in a fun-filled fashion show, where I playfully dressed as a traditional witch doctor. The enjoyment and friendship we shared in those lighthearted moments balanced the intensity of our climate justice discussions. We bonded not only as activists but as friends, sharing each other’s cultures, stories, and humour.
One of the most impactful sessions was the LIVErary, organized by Roots.People. In this unique setup, I became a “living book,” sharing my personal story and the journey of the DADA GENGE Hub. I titled my narrative “Linking Hearts with Hands,” inspired by the belief that true change happens when we combine love and compassion with action. Over 20 participants sat in to listen to my story, and their thoughtful feedback and encouragement left me deeply moved. It was a powerful reminder that our work is more than just numbers and reports; it’s about the lives we touch and the connections we make.
Throughout the week, I had the privilege of attending various workshops and training sessions. One session that stood out was Media and Spokesperson Training, Safety at COP29, and Cultural Dance during the night, where I learned essential skills for communicating our cause more effectively and how to take care while in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Another profound session was on gender mainstreaming in climate action, which directly aligned with the DADA GENGE Hub’s mission of supporting women in vulnerable communities. The insights I gained will be instrumental in further advocating for the women we serve.
As the week drew to a close, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude. What had started as a journey of uncertainty turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The connections I made with fellow youth advocates, the knowledge I gained, and the stories I heard will stay with me forever. This camp reminded me that when we unite our voices, we can create ripples of change that reach far beyond our efforts.
As I return to my work at TIBA and continue leading the DADA GENGE Hub, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose. The Climate Justice Camp was more than just an event; it was a call to action, a reminder that the fight for justice requires both hearts and hands working together. Together, we can build a world where justice, equity, and sustainability are not just ideals but realities.
This was my journey at the Climate Justice Camp 2024. What will yours be? Let’s continue the conversation and work towards a future we can all be proud of.
— Matiko_org