HAPI Trains Young Persons with Disabilities on Climate Leadership and Inclusive Climate Action in Benue State

HAPI Concludes Climate Leadership Training for Young Persons with Disabilities in Benue State

Young persons with disabilities participating in a climate leadership and advocacy training organized by Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative in Makurdi, Benue State.

Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) has successfully concluded a two-day training on climate leadership, mitigation, adaptation, and advocacy for young persons with disabilities in Makurdi, Benue State.

The training brought together young persons with disabilities from different communities to strengthen their understanding of climate change and promote their participation in climate action and policy conversations.

Unlike many engagements that repeatedly involve the same voices, this training intentionally created opportunities for new young persons with disabilities to learn, participate, and contribute to discussions around climate justice and inclusion.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in practical and interactive sessions focused on understanding climate change, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, policy frameworks, and the importance of disability inclusion in climate response efforts.

Young persons with disabilities participating in a climate leadership and advocacy training organized by Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative in Makurdi, Benue State.

The sessions were highly participatory, with participants openly sharing experiences, asking questions, and connecting climate issues to the realities within their communities. Facilitators also simplified complex climate concepts, making the discussions accessible, engaging, and relatable for participants who were newly introduced to climate conversations.

Beyond the technical sessions, the training created a safe and inclusive environment where participants felt seen, heard, and encouraged to contribute confidently.

Cross section picture of HAPI Staff

The engagement further highlighted the urgent need to include persons with disabilities in climate action, decision-making, and policy implementation at local, national, and global levels.

Speaking on the importance of the training, HAPI emphasized that young persons with disabilities must not be excluded from conversations and initiatives that directly affect their lives and communities.

The organization also appreciated the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for supporting the initiative and investing in disability-inclusive climate leadership and advocacy in Benue State.

As conversations around climate justice continue globally, initiatives like this remain important in ensuring that no one is left behind in climate action and sustainable development efforts.