The Follow the Climate Money Initiative has opened applications for its first cohort, seeking 20 young people in Kaduna State to become Youth Champions in climate budget tracking and social accountability.
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The youth-led initiative focuses on understanding and monitoring climate-tagged social protection spending. Kaduna State has increasingly incorporated climate expenditure tagging into public budgeting and expenditure reporting, helping identify spending intended to support climate-change adaptation and mitigation.
The initiative aims to help citizens understand where climate-related funds are budgeted, what they are meant to achieve and how much is actually spent. This work is important because climate change can affect livelihoods, food security, health and household incomes, increasing the vulnerability of communities to climate-related shocks.
Through the programme, selected participants will develop practical knowledge of climate budget tagging, social protection, public budgeting and accountability. They will also contribute to citizen-led tracking of relevant public spending and engagement activities.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old and reside in Kaduna State. The initiative welcomes young people interested in climate governance, social protection, accountability, public budgets and monitoring government expenditure.
Applicants must be available and willing to learn and participate in climate budget-tracking activities. Young women and youths with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Previous budget-tracking experience is not required. Instead, organisers are interested in applicants’ motivation, connection to their communities, willingness to learn, critical-thinking skills and commitment to the initiative.
What will selected Youth Champions gain?
Only 20 participants will be selected for Cohort 1. They will build skills in climate governance, social protection, budgeting and accountability, and learn how to understand and track climate-related public spending.
Participants will take part in youth-led budget and expenditure tracking activities, gain practical experience in data, citizen engagement and evidence-based advocacy, and connect with other young people working in climate, governance and development.
The initiative offers an opportunity for Kaduna-based young people to better understand how public resources are allocated and spent, while contributing to accountability around climate-related support for vulnerable communities.
Application deadline
Applications close on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Interested young people should review the requirements and submit their details before the deadline.
How to apply
Complete the online application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGPICzPqOVvFygbb16NsQY6ErLuN7OI2uFMcztQO-DwmpXHA/viewform. Ensure your information is accurate and submit your application before October 22, 2026.
