The Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme aims to empower young students aged 11-25 to take a stand on environmental issues they feel strongly about and give them a platform to call attention to these issues through the media of writing, photography or video. There are more than 350,000 young reporters in 45 countries across the world.
On Saturday, February 8th, YRE students from Eco-schools in New Providence and Eleuthera participated in a 2-hour YRE workshop hosted by BREEF. Presenters at the workshop included professional photographer and social media influencer Shane Gross and environmental media reporter Crystal Darling from ZNS.
“YRE is an amazing programme because it allows young people to utilize social media in an impactful way, expressing their concerns about the environment and proposing solutions. YRE teaches our youth how to communicate effectively by utilizing a cutting-edge approach to disseminate news.”
-Allison Longley, National Operator for the Young Reporters for the Environment.
YRE participants were asked what motivates you to protect nature.
Kaitlyn Archer, age 17, responded “What motivates my group members and I to protect nature is the sustainability of our surrounding for future generations. Nature is often neglected by human beings in today’s world and now it’s survival is becoming such a vital aspect of life; we have to protect it.”
Georgia Birkweiser, age 14, exclaimed “If we don’t take care of the environment, our future will be bleak or non-existent.
Caden Smith, age 16, replies “I have a passion and strong love for nature and the environment. I enjoy caring for the nature that surrounds us. I enjoy engaging myself in any activities that benefit nature.”
YRE participants will compete in a national competition on Earth Day (April 22, 2020). The winner of the competition will receive country-wide recognition and will be eligible to enter the 2021 Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE) international competition. The launch of this programme is being made possible with the help of a Strategic Grant from the Global Environment Facility.
