This year Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) celebrates its 25th anniversary as an international programme run by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In 1994, Luxembourg became the first country to officially implement the YRE programme and today it engages more than 350.000 young reporters in 38 countries across the world.
”YRE is an absolutely fantastic programme because it not only involves youth in important environmental and sustainable issues, but it also gives them tools that enables them to present news in a structured and knowledgeable manner. In this way, YRE provides the path from critical thinking to critical expression.” says Daniel Schaffer, CEO of Foundation for Environmental Education.
The Young Reporters for the Environment programme aims to empower young people aged 11-25 to take a stand on environmental issues they feel strongly about and to give them a platform to articulate these issues through the media of writing, photography or video.
”The past 25 years, YRE has become perhaps more relevant, as the world’s environmental reality has become more dire, and a war on science and on truth has surfaced. By continuing to train young minds to think critically, act locally, and engage globally, YRE continues to plant a powerful seed for tomorrow, spreading knowledge through the many young influencers coming through its ranks, from all over the world." says P.J. Marcellino, filmmaker, YRE Jury member and former YRE student.
YRE’s 25th Anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2019 with different activities. As part of this, a special 1-minute Video Competition was launched. YRE students and Alumni from around the world have submitted videos that aim to reflect the essence of the programme. A total of 25 videos have been selected and will be shared on social media throughout 2019. The top 3 videos will be awarded by the end of the year.
This month a new international YRE Blog / Press Corner will also be launched. It will function as an open platform for YRE Students, Alumni and the YRE Network to share their stories on sustainable and environmental issues. The platform is meant to serve as a press corner where inspiring articles, videos, and photo stories will be available for the wider public.
“Both the competition and the blog are meant to give YRE students more opportunities to express their opinions and show off their creativity and passion for the environment.” concludes Malgorzata Luszczek, International YRE Director.
About YRE – ‘Giving our environment a voice’
The Young Reporters for the Environment programme aims to empower young people aged 11-25 to take a stand on environmental issues they feel strongly about and to give them a platform to articulate these issues through the media of writing, photography or video. The programme is based on a four-step methodology which seeks to develop students’ critical thinking and expression, creativity and leadership skills. Every year the top YRE investigations have the chance to participate in the annual YRE competition and to be assessed by professional juries on national and international levels. The programme also gives Young Reporters the opportunity to participate in international environmental conferences to further develop their skills and network.
Website: www.yre.global
About the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
With members in 76 countries we are the world’s largest environmental education organisation. Through our five ground breaking programmes, we help communities realise the benefits of sustainable living. Recognised by UNESCO as a world leader within the fields of Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Website: www.fee.global