We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our eagerly awaited pilot projects under the DOUACTism project that started in January this year. These initiatives are set to make a remarkable impact in cities around the world by engaging young workers and young people in innovative initiatives based on the concepts of Artivism and Doughnut Economics.

The DOUACTism project’s main objective is to boost the quality, capacity, and recognition of CSOs in a transnational coalition of CSOs, fostering the development and implementation of innovative Non-Formal Education (NFE) formats to engage, connect, and empower youngsters, in line with the EU Youth Strategy. This includes a special focus on young women in rural areas.

The project is being implemented in the Netherlands (MasterPeace Global Foundation), Kosovo (SIT), Morocco (MP Morocco), Croatia (Lumen), and Lebanon (LDN) and is funded by the European Union, Erasmus+.

The DOUACTism project aims to ignite change by launching these pilot projects in various cities and countries. These projects focus on engaging young people and youth workers in innovative initiatives that revolve around Artivism and Doughnut Economics, which are at the heart of creating sustainable and thriving communities.

Our trained youth workers will embark on a six-month journey of engagement with young people and project development. They will collaborate with 200 young people from 5 countries to collectively create pilot projects tailored to their respective cities.

Under the overarching theme of Artivism and Doughnut Economics, young participants will express their visions for a thriving city using the framework of the doughnut theory. Each country’s group of youngsters will be divided into clusters that correspond to the doughnut’s five clusters. They will critically analyze the gaps between their dreams and the current reality, aiming to bridge these gaps with innovative recommendations to present to city representatives.

The ultimate goal of our pilot projects is to see 25 transformative initiatives come to life. Each country will contribute five projects, making a total of 25 pilot projects to shape the future of their cities.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and updates from these pilot projects! Stay connected with us through our social channels and keep an eye on our website for regular updates. Together, we are set to transform cities and inspire positive change through the power of Artivism and Doughnut Economics.

By Enock Nsubuga - MasterPeace Uganda

"In the heart of Uganda, a land of strife
Where climate change has brought great sorrow
The year is 2045, a fight for life
As nature's wrath has left us hollow.

Once lush forests now stand barren and bare
Their leaves long gone, a haunting sight
And on the brink of extinction, we share
Our sorrow for the mountain gorilla's plight.

Yet amidst this desperate tide of despair
A group of young heroes with hearts aflame
United as Cool Birds, they take their stand
To protect Uganda's legacy, its precious name.

They raise their voices, their message clear
To rally awareness and wake the world
With wings of hope, they persevere
Their duty to nature, steadfastly unfurled.

The Cool Birds program, their shining star
Trains the youth to monitor and observe
For birds, they are a symbol from afar
Of climate change's devastating curve.

With every flutter, every graceful flight
Birds speak of a world in delicate balance
Through their decline, we are given a sight
Of our environment's disrupted cadence.

Empowered by knowledge, the youth take flight
Their voices heard, their actions taken
With policy in hand, they ignite
A change that shall not be forsaken.

The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda's plight
A beacon of hope in darkest of days
For these young warriors, the future is bright
Their dedication, a hymn of praise.

In Uganda's young, we find our reservoir
Of strength and courage, they show the way
With determination, they will heal the scar
And create a sustainable world every day.

This award-winning poem shall honour their fight
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda's grace
For in their hands, our futures unite
In their hearts, a brighter world we embrace."

By Enock Nsubuga - MasterPeace Uganda.

The year is 2045, a time when the devastating effects of climate change have crippled Uganda. Once a vibrant and flourishing country, Uganda now faces the harsh reality of pervasive flooding, unrelenting drought, and alarming levels of food insecurity. The majestic forests that once adorned the nation now lie barren and lifeless, transformed into desolate wastelands. The heart-wrenching consequence of these environmental catastrophes is the imminent extinction of the iconic mountain gorillas, a symbol of national pride and heritage.

However, amidst this bleak scenario, a ray of hope emerges. A group of passionate and determined young Ugandans have united under the banner of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign. Fueled by an unwavering commitment
to combat climate change, this collective of young minds is dedicated to raising awareness about the pressing issue and, more importantly, to finding viable solutions to  this crisis that threatens their very existence.
Among the group's myriad initiatives, the "Cool Birds" program has proven to be particularly successful. This groundbreaking program harnesses the power of youth by imparting them with the necessary skills to monitor the health and well-being of Uganda's bird populations. Birds, with their extraordinary sensitivity to their surroundings, serve as an invaluable indicator of climate change, their dwindling numbers serving as a chilling warning sign that the country's once-thriving environment
now teeters on the edge of collapse.

The Cool Birds program has not only fostered a deep understanding of climate change among the younger generation but also instilled in them an indomitable spirit to take action. Armed with knowledge and newfound empowerment, these young guardians of the environment have valiantly partnered with government officials to develop robust policies and strategies to address the grave environmental crisis that engulfs their nation.
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Uganda's young people to combat climate change head-on. Their unyielding dedication serves as an inspiring example, illuminating the path towards a brighter and more sustainable future for themselves and the generations yet to come. In a world plagued by uncertainty and despair, these  young climate warriors offer a glimmer of hope and a promise of resilience in the face of adversity. Their relentless pursuit of a greener and more equitable world holds the potential to rewrite the future, transcending borders and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

The Break-through
The Impact of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign.

The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign has gained significant traction and has become an influential force in Uganda and beyond. The group's relentless efforts have not only succeeded in making climate change a top priority for the Ugandan government but have also stirred a global movement of young people committed to taking action against this pressing issue.

An Invited Voice at International Climate Change Conference.
Recognition of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda's accomplishments and potential has led to a remarkable opportunity – an invitation to speak at a major international climate change conference. This conference attracts world leaders, policymakers,
scientists, and activists from around the globe, providing an ideal platform to rally support for climate action.

Delivering a Powerful Message with Conviction
True to their commitment, the young members of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda seize this opportunity to deliver a compelling message about the urgency of climate action. Their eloquence and passion resonate throughout the auditorium, grabbing the attention of the audience and compelling them to listen intently.

The young activists take turns sharing their stories of hope and resilience. They recount personal experiences of witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change on their communities and how they have rallied together to find solutions. These stories serve as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and inspire the audience to believe that it is still possible to save the planet.

Uganda’s Youth: Inheriting the World
The presence of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda at this international conference emphasizes an important truth – it is the young people who will inherit the world and bear the consequences of our actions, or lack thereof, in addressing climate change.
Their voices carry an urgent plea for the current generation to take responsibility and act swiftly to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate.

The Power of Youth-led Movements
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign exexemplifies the power and influence of youth-led movements. Their success serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring young people around the world to stand up and take action against climate change.

Sparking a Global Movement
The awe-inspiring message delivered by the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda at the international conference sparked a global movement among youth. Motivated by the stories of these young activists, more and more young people from different corners of
the world join the fight against climate change.

The Global Youth Network for Climate Action
In the wake of the conference, the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda collaborated with like-minded youth from different countries to establish the Global Youth Network for Climate Action. This network provides a platform for young activists to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in combating climate change.

The network's impact is immense, as it fosters international collaboration and enables the exchange of ideas and strategies in addressing climate change. It secatalyzesollective action, empowering young people to continue their fight for a
sustainable future.

Conclusion: The Hope for a Sustainable Future
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign and Their Journey to the International Climate Change Conference signify a breakthrough in recognizing the power and potential of youth in addressing global challenges. Through their powerful message and inspiring stories, they instill a sense of hope and determination in the hearts of the audience, encouraging them to take immediate action.
Their participation in the conference also secatalyzeshe global youth movement against climate change. Together, the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda, along with other young environmental activists, build a network that transcends borders, fostering
collaboration, and reinforcing the shared vision of a sustainable future.
The efforts of these young activists remind us that change is possible, and it is our collective responsibility to support and amplify their voices. It is through the passion and commitment of young people like the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda that we can
chart a course towards a planet that thrives harmoniously with humanity.

Under our program "Women and Entrepreneurship in Colour!" We hope to build the capacity of women in the urban informal settlements of Nairobi and pastoral communities who are survivors of violence against women.

Using color energy profiling by Clarity4D, these women are coached to better understand themselves and their human environment with an aim to understand their strengths and development areas.
To achieve this, the women are engaged through; Lead Self-coaching- Lead Enterprise Coaching- Mental Wellness support- and Linkage to access to microfinance.

We are grateful to our partners Haella Stichting and Clarity4D for providing the resources that made this possible.

In this post, we want to share with you some of the benefits and challenges of our program, as well as some success stories from our participants. Our program is based on the premise that women's entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality.

According to various studies, female entrepreneurs represent a fast-growing category of entrepreneurship worldwide, but they face many barriers and obstacles that limit their potential. Some of these barriers include a lack of access to credit, education, training, networks, markets, role models and mentors. Moreover, many women entrepreneurs operate in low-growth sectors or necessity-driven activities that do not offer much opportunity for innovation or scaling up.

“Women and Entrepreneurship in Colour!” aims to address these challenges by providing women with a holistic approach that combines personal development, business skills, mental health support, and financial inclusion. Using Clarity4D's color energy profiling system, we help women identify their personality preferences, strengths, and areas for improvement. This helps them gain self-awareness, confidence, and motivation to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. We also offer them coaching sessions on how to lead themselves and their enterprises effectively, covering topics such as goal setting, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, we provide them with mental wellness support through counseling sessions that help them cope with stress, trauma, and emotional issues that may affect their well-being and performance. Finally, we link them with microfinance institutions that can offer them loans or grants to start or grow their businesses.

Our program commenced a couple of months ago and we have already enlisted over 200 women from different backgrounds and sectors. Some of the outcomes we have observed include:

- Increased self-esteem and empowerment among our participants.
- Improved business skills and knowledge.
- Enhanced innovation and creativity.
- Expanded networks and market opportunities.
- Higher-income generation and savings.
- Reduced poverty and vulnerability.
- Greater social impact in their communities

We are proud of our participants' achievements and we want to share some of their stories with you:

• Namelok is a 23 year old mother of 4 who runs a bead making business in Impiro center, Kajiado County, Kenya. She joined the program having survived intimate partner violence from her husband for a couple of years. She could not leave the marriage as she hadn’t any income to support her young family. Having been married while still a teenager and transitioning to motherhood before she was even 16, she only had basic literacy and numeracy skills. From her mother and grandmother, she had learned the art of beading. Through coaching and micro-financing from the project, she has started earning income for herself and with support from other women, emancipated herself from domestic abuse. With renewed confidence in herself and skills, she is hopeful for a thriving bead-making business. She has more friends now and participates in community activities, previously, a taboo.

In the end, we are grateful to our partners Haella Stichting and Clarity4D for providing the resources that made this possible, and we are thankful for all the participants.