The North American Association for Environmental Studies (NAAEE) launched the EE 30 Under 30 program, which recognises individuals around the world who are making a difference through environmental education.
This year, the Malaysian co-founder of Reef Stakes, the first marine-themed role-playing card game in Malaysia, was selected by the NAAEE as a 2021 EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker.
Reef Stakes shared with WORLD OF BUZZ that their co-founder, a 27 year old Quek Yew Aun, will be among the cohort of twelve leaders from eight countries who will receive grants, professional development as well as a community of support to boost their impact.
“The Changemakers Grants program, implemented over 10 months, aims to build the capacity of EE 30 Under 30 as EE (environmental education) leaders through the program’s many learning and networking opportunities,”
“This includes implementing and adapting their individual projects and sharing experiences and knowledge by forming a collaborative learning community. Grantees will also have the opportunity to present their work at NAAEE’s 50th international conference in October 2021,” they shared.
Not only will these leaders implement environmental education projects that build low-carbon economies, create resilient communities and protect and restore ecosystems, but they will also address a wide range of sustainability issues, including reconnecting indigenous communities to traditional land-based practices, empowering youth to inform national climate policies, and creating inclusive and culturally relevant E-STEM education kits for at-home learning, just to name a few.
Yew Aun contributes to this network of leaders by carrying out Project Reef Spawn.
“Working together with five team members, the project aims to produce three awareness videos on the marine environment in Malaysia and conduct a youth capacity development program. The capacity development program will target 12 Malaysian youths between the ages of 18 to 25, from diverse academic backgrounds and interests,” they added.
Reef Stake’s Participation Manager, Natasha Zulaika shared that they’re hoping to attract more youngsters to the cause.
“Aside from students in marine biology or environmental science, we hope to encourage more youth from non-science backgrounds to apply! The marine environment is threatened today more than ever before, so until we get everyone involved, there can be no progress,” she said.
Hence, if you are interested in getting involved, in an effort to conserve and champion marine ecosystems, you can check out the Reef Spawn program here.
Congratulations Yew Aun and Reef Stakes on the recognition!
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
Also read: Gorgeous Images Of The Milky Way In Sabah Will Make You Want To Move Away From The City
