Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya has opened applications for the Cisco Climate Champions Programme 2026. The youth-focused initiative empowers young climate leaders in Nairobi through training, community climate action projects, digital advocacy, and monthly stipends.
DOT Kenya Launches Climate Champions Programme for Young Environmental Leaders
Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya has officially opened applications for its 2026 Cisco Climate Champions Programme, an initiative designed to empower young people in Kenya to lead climate action projects within their communities.
The programme aims to equip youth with environmental leadership skills, digital literacy, participatory research experience, and community engagement tools needed to address climate-related challenges at grassroots level.
Applications for the programme close on 26 May 2026, with interviews taking place on a rolling basis during the application period.
The opportunity is open to young people based in Kenya, particularly within Nairobi and surrounding areas.
About Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya
Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya, commonly known as DOT Kenya, is a locally registered non-governmental organisation established to support underserved and disadvantaged youth through digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Since its establishment in 2005 and registration in 2007, the organisation has focused on helping young people build the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
DOT Kenya forms part of the broader DOT Global network, which operates across:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- The Middle East
- The United Kingdom
The organisation’s work combines youth empowerment, innovation, and community development to create sustainable social impact.
What Is the DOT Climate Programme?
The DOT Climate Programme is a youth-led initiative focused on promoting climate action through local leadership and community participation.
The programme is built on the belief that young people are powerful changemakers capable of:
- Driving environmental awareness
- Influencing community behaviour change
- Promoting sustainable practices
- Developing innovative local climate solutions
Through the programme, Climate Champions are trained and supported to engage communities using:
- Climate education tools
- Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods
- Community mobilisation strategies
- Digital advocacy techniques
The programme also encourages collaborative problem-solving and grassroots climate innovation.
Cisco Partnership Expands Climate Action Initiative
The Climate Champions Programme is being expanded through support from Cisco, whose investment is helping scale climate action initiatives in Kenya and Jordan.
The partnership allows DOT to:
- Recruit and train youth climate leaders
- Support local climate implementation projects
- Build a network of youth-driven environmental advocates
- Expand climate awareness across multiple communities
The programme reflects growing international interest in supporting youth-led environmental sustainability initiatives.
Role of the Climate Champions
Participants selected as Climate Champions will serve as environmental advocates and community facilitators.
They will work closely with Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya to:
- Deliver climate education activities
- Promote environmental awareness
- Mobilise community participation
- Support local sustainability initiatives
- Encourage climate resilience practices
The role provides young leaders with practical exposure to climate action, leadership development, and community engagement.
Programme Duration and Location
The Climate Champions role is a short-term opportunity designed to provide intensive practical experience.
Programme Details
- Position Title: Climate Champion
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Reporting To: Programme Coordinator
The programme combines virtual learning with field-based implementation and community engagement activities.
Hybrid Climate Leadership Training
Selected participants will complete a four-week hybrid training programme beginning in June 2026.
The training structure includes:
- Three weeks of virtual learning sessions
- One week of face-to-face training
The training programme is based on DOT’s Climate Curriculum and Participatory Action Research Toolkit.
Participants will learn about:
- Climate adaptation
- Sustainability practices
- Community mobilisation
- Research techniques
- Environmental leadership
- Digital advocacy
This training prepares Climate Champions to lead meaningful environmental initiatives within their local communities.
Key Responsibilities of Climate Champions
The programme includes several practical responsibilities aimed at building real-world environmental leadership experience.
Community Surveys and Training
Participants will conduct:
- Baseline surveys
- Community awareness sessions
- Climate education activities
This process helps identify local environmental challenges and opportunities for action.
Participatory Action Research Activities
Climate Champions will form and lead Participatory Action Research (PAR) working groups consisting of 7 to 9 community members.
The PAR model encourages communities to:
- Identify environmental issues collectively
- Share local experiences and indigenous knowledge
- Co-design practical climate solutions
- Participate directly in implementation processes
This collaborative approach helps strengthen community ownership of climate action projects.
Development of Local Climate Solutions
Participants will work with communities to design and implement small-scale environmental initiatives.
These projects may focus on:
- Waste management
- Sustainable farming
- Environmental awareness
- Water conservation
- Climate adaptation strategies
Climate Champions will also present their solutions and share lessons learned during the programme.
Digital Advocacy and Global Networking
The programme also aims to strengthen participants’ digital communication and advocacy skills.
Climate Champions will:
- Use social media platforms for climate awareness
- Participate in global climate discussions
- Collaborate with international climate leaders and organisations
- Build digital storytelling and advocacy experience
This exposure helps young leaders engage with broader environmental movements beyond their local communities.
Monthly Stipends and Additional Benefits
Selected participants will receive several benefits throughout the programme.
Programme Benefits Include:
- Monthly stipends
- Certificate upon completion
- Membership in the DOT Alumni Network
- Opportunity to join a global climate network
- Career portfolio development through climate projects
- Visibility at regional and national events
The programme also helps participants build valuable professional skills that can support future careers in sustainability, development, and environmental leadership.
Skills Participants Will Develop
The Climate Champions Programme places strong emphasis on practical and transferable skills development.
Participants are expected to gain:
- Leadership skills
- Communication and negotiation abilities
- Digital literacy
- Social media advocacy experience
- Climate coaching techniques
- Community engagement skills
- Research and data collection experience
The programme also incorporates indigenous knowledge and local perspectives into climate education and adaptation strategies.
Important Eligibility Notice
Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya has stated that the opportunity is strictly open to new applicants only.
Young people who previously participated in earlier Cisco-supported DOT Kenya Climate Champions projects or cohorts are not eligible to apply.
The organisation aims to ensure that new participants benefit from the programme and gain access to climate leadership opportunities.
Why Youth-Led Climate Action Matters
Across Africa and globally, young people are increasingly playing important roles in environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts.
Climate change continues to affect communities through:
- Droughts
- Flooding
- Food insecurity
- Environmental degradation
- Water shortages
Youth-led programmes such as this one help communities:
- Build climate resilience
- Raise awareness
- Promote sustainable practices
- Develop locally driven solutions
These initiatives also empower young people to become active contributors to environmental and social change.
Conclusion
The 2026 Cisco Climate Champions Programme offered by Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya represents a valuable opportunity for young people passionate about environmental sustainability and community development.
By combining climate education, participatory research, digital advocacy, and local implementation projects, the programme equips youth with the tools needed to become effective climate leaders.
For young Kenyans interested in sustainability, innovation, and social impact, the programme provides a meaningful platform to build leadership skills while contributing to environmental change within their communities.
APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE
Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.
Join WhatsApp Channel
ALSO READ
- Nedbank Quantitative Analyst Graduate Programme 2027: Apply Now
- Road Accident Fund Internships 2026: Only the First 100 Applications will be Considered.
- Standard Bank CIB Technology Graduate Programme 2026: Applications Close 30 May
- Valterra Platinum 24-Month Learnership Programme – Applications Now Open for 2026
- Funda Wande Internship Opportunities 2026: Apply Now
