YouthEco Lab: Empowering youth to pioneer sustainable solutions for a resilient and greener future.
- Eden Foundation
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30
At Eden Foundation, we believe in the power of youth to transform communities and drive sustainable development. Our YouthEco Lab Training Program is designed to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to become responsible leaders and change-makers. Over the course of several days, trainees dive into leadership development, sustainability education, and practical, hands-on learning—building a foundation to create real impact in their communities.
Day 1: Discovering Leadership Within
The journey began with a focus on leadership, where trainees explored what it means to lead with purpose and integrity. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative activities, participants reflected on their personal strengths and learned how to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and work as part of a team.
One trainee shared, “I never realized how much my approach to leadership could affect those around me. Today, I learned that being a leader is not just about giving instructions, it’s about inspiring and empowering others.”
Day 2: Exploring the Sustainable Development Goals
Day 2 immersed participants in the world of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability, giving them tools to identify opportunities for change and take action in their communities.
Trainees explored:
The 5Ps of the SDGs: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership
Five key opportunities for sustainable action
The 3Es framework: Economy, Environment, and Equity
Through discussions, group work, and reflection, participants connected global sustainability goals to local solutions, imagining ways to make their communities greener, fairer, and more resilient.
Day 3: Green Skills and Event Planning
On the third day, the focus shifted to practical skills for eco-friendly event planning. Trainees learned how to design and organize events while incorporating sustainability principles, such as recycling, reuse, and minimal waste.
Hands-on exercises challenged participants to think creatively, ensuring every event idea could be both impactful and environmentally responsible. One participant noted, “I didn’t realize that even small choices in event planning could make such a big difference for the environment.”
Day 4: Professionalism and Ethical Leadership
The fourth day emphasized management and professional ethics, equipping trainees with the tools to lead with integrity and professionalism.
Interactive exercises highlighted the importance of:
Ethical decision-making and accountability
Managing resources and teams effectively
Upholding discipline and integrity in professional settings
Trainees reflected on how these principles would shape their future roles, reinforcing the idea that ethical leadership is essential for sustainable development and community growth.
On-the-Job Training: Turning Knowledge into Action
Beyond classroom learning, trainees are placed in partner events companies for one month of on-the-job training. This immersive experience allows them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, gain practical insights, and learn the day-to-day responsibilities of professional roles.
One trainee remarked, “Being on the ground, seeing how events are planned and managed, and applying what we learned makes the training feel real. I feel more confident and ready to make a difference.”
Building a Generation of Changemakers
The YouthEco Lab is more than a training program—it’s a movement to empower youth with the confidence, skills, and vision to create sustainable communities. Eden Foundation is committed to nurturing this next generation of leaders, who will lead with creativity, ethics, and a deep understanding of sustainability.
We thank our partners the Nyot Kok Foundation and supporters for joining us on this journey of youth empowerment, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes our trainees will bring to their communities and beyond.
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