Lake Chad Climate Justice Youth Fellowship

The Lake Chad Climate Justice Youth Fellowship, implemented by the Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN Initiative) and funded by the Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF), is designed to empower young grassroots leaders from communities around the Lake Chad Basin. The fellowship focuses on climate justice advocacy, community mobilization, and local climate solutions.

🌟 About the Fellowship

The Lake Chad region faces severe challenges due to climate change, including:

• A 90% reduction in the lake's size, leading to desertification, resource scarcity, and the collapse of traditional livelihoods like agriculture and fishing.
• Heightened social tensions, insecurity, and displacement of communities.
• Increased vulnerability of women and girls.

Despite being disproportionately affected, youth in the region are underrepresented in climate action due to barriers such as limited resources, inadequate skills, and lack of access to advocacy platforms.

🗓 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: May 07, 2025
• Application Deadline: Ongoing
• Category: Fellowship
• Eligible Locations:
  • Cameroon
  • Chad
  • Niger
  • Nigeria

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected participants will receive the following benefits:

• Skill Development: Practical training in advocacy, storytelling, and project implementation tailored to the Lake Chad context.
• Access to Funding Opportunities: Seed funding of $1,500 to implement grassroots climate justice projects.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities to engage with international climate leaders and attend global conferences.
• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced climate activists and practitioners.
• Networking: Connection with a regional and global network of young climate justice advocates.
• Community Impact: Support to design and implement solutions tackling GBV, insecurity, and climate challenges in your community.
• Policy Advocacy: Platforms to influence local, national, and international climate policies.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Be from the Lake Chad region (Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger).
• Demonstrate a passion or experience in climate justice, advocacy, or environmental sustainability.
• Commit to the full 24-month fellowship duration and all program activities.

📝 Application Process

To apply, complete the online application, which includes:

1. Personal Information
2. Statement of Purpose (300-500 words)
3. CV highlighting relevant experience

Visit the application portal to get started. You can also directly apply here.

🌐 Sponsor Organization

The fellowship is supported by Africa Climate Fellows.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while gaining valuable skills, funding, and global exposure. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative initiative!

• Skill Development: Practical training in advocacy, storytelling, and project implementation tailored to the Lake Chad context.
• Access to Funding Opportunities: Seed funding of $1,500 to each fellow to implement climate justice projects at the grassroots level.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities to engage with international climate leaders and attend global conferences.
• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced climate activists and practitioners.
• Networking: Connection with a regional and global network of young climate justice advocates.
• Community Impact: Support to design and implement solutions tackling GBV, insecurity, and climate challenges in your community.
• Policy Advocacy: Platforms to influence local, national, and international climate policies.