When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

Mon Aug 31 2026

Climate change is often discussed through numbers, reports and statistics. But for young people to truly connect with the issue, climate communication needs something more: stories, creativity and a message that speaks their language. This is one of the reasons Tai is committed to climate action. We believe that young people should not only hear about the challenges created by climate change but should also understand how these challenges affect their communities and, most importantly, see themselves as part of the solution.

On July 28, our Project Coordinator, Careen Mbati, had the opportunity to participate in the second cohort of the Media4Climate Change Programme, organized by Youth Survival Organisation (YSO). The programme brought together climate change experts, journalists, communication professionals and young people interested in acting for a more sustainable future.

Throughout the discussions, there was a topic that was particularly in focus. Communicating climate change effectively requires more than simply sharing information. It requires understanding the audience, using creative approaches, relying on accurate information and encouraging people, especially young people, to act.

During the panel discussion, we shared how Tai uses creative innovation and storytelling to communicate climate messages to young people, and we showcased our Kijana Kijani animation on climate change, which became a point of conversation. One participant highlighted how effectively the animation communicated a powerful climate message within a short period of time. The discussion demonstrated something we strongly believe at Tai: creative storytelling can make complex issues more accessible and give people a way to connect emotionally with challenges that can otherwise feel distant overwhelming.But storytelling alone is not enough. The conversations throughout the programme showed that effective climate communication begins with understanding the people we want to reach.

Jacqueline Christopher, a communication expert, emphasized the importance of knowing your audience. When communicating about climate change, it is essential to understand who you are speaking to and, equally importantly, how they communicate. Understanding the language, experiences and realities of a specific audience makes it possible to communicate solutions in a way that actually reaches people.

Futhermore, Nelson Mulema, a journalist, the foundation is reliable information. He shared his experience in journalism and stressed the importance of finding accurate and trustworthy sources, particularly by gathering information directly from people on the ground. Climate stories should not remain abstract. Journalists and communicators need to understand what is happening within communities, investigate the realities people are experiencing and use reliable evidence to deliver meaningful information to the public.

A Tanzanian youth leader and climate change activist, Faraji Emily brought another important perspective to the discussion that climate action starts with us. Climate change cannot be addressed through workshops and discussions alone. Faraji emphasized the need to take initiative and turn conversations into concrete action. She explains:

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

Every workshop, meeting or awareness campaign should be a starting point, not an endpoint. Her message was simple but powerful: We are the change. The participants also worked together to develop messages and identify the key stakeholders who need to be involved in tackling climate change. This
includes government institutions, media houses and their owners, environmental organizations and, importantly, young people themselves.

PHOTO-2026-07-28-15-20-12 2.jpg

The discussion was further enriched by Clara Makenya, representing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who highlighted the importance of youth research and access to accurate information.

It showed that there are numerous opportunities for young people within the climate change space. But taking advantage of these opportunities requires more than interest. Young people need to be willing to research, learn, read, ask questions and continuously build their understanding of climate issues. Accurate information is essential if young people are to become credible voices and effective actors in climate action.

The conversation also returned to the role of the media. Climate change reporting cannot stop at the headline. It requires going into the field, listening to communities, collecting data, understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, and, perhaps most importantly, communicating possible solutions. Good climate storytelling does not simply tell people that there is a problem. It helps them understand the problem, see how it affects their lives and discover what can be done about it.

For Tai, this is where creativity and action come together.Through initiatives such as Kijana Kijani, we are exploring new ways to make climate communication more engaging and accessible to young people. Because sometimes, a complex climate issue does not need a longer explanation, it needs a better story.

The Media4Climate Change Programme was therefore more than a discussion about media and climate change. It was a reminder that knowledge, communication and action have to work together.The climate conversation is already happening.

The question is: How will we tell the story, and what will we do after the story ends?

At Tai, we believe the answer begins with young people who are ready to learn, create, communicate and take action. We are not just telling the story of climate action. We are helping young people become part of it.

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When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

Mon Aug 31 2026

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

PHOTO-2026-07-28-15-20-12 2.jpg

The question is: How will we tell the story, and what will we do after the story ends?

Share

When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

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When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

Share

When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

More News

When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

What GAWE 2026 in Songwe Revealed About Education and Inclusion.

A Girl’s Best Friend: OKY Tanzania Continues to Be an Impactful Tool for Period Safety.

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When Art Meets Advocacy: A Day with Malala in Tanzania

Tai Recognised by HundrED for Storytelling and Digital Innovation in Inclusive Education

5 YEARS OF MAKING EDUCATION A RIGHT WITH IQEC 2025 EVENT.

Why the Education Act Review Matters?

Unlock A World Full Of Wonder and Soar Higher Heights With Us

Share

When Climate Action Becomes a Story: Tai at the Media4Climate Change Programme

By Suraya Haji Haji

"All those climate issues start with us. We are the ones to take initiatives and to start working on them rather than having workshops and it ends here.”.

Unlock A World Full Of Wonder
and Soar Higher Heights With Us