Children & Youth Network

Youth for Change

Engaging Youth for Better Future

In an era where the health of the planet and the well-being of its inhabitants are facing unprecedented challenges, the involvement of youth in environmental issues has emerged as a crucial component of both environmental conservation and social development. Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO, from its very beginning engage youth in environmental concerns, highlighting the synergy between environment and social development.

What makes youth crucial to ESDO’s mission?

Youth, the future guardians of the planet, possess an inherent sense of activism and innovation. Their passion and fresh perspectives make them invaluable individuals to be involved in environmental issues, ranging from climate change, chemicals, gender and environmental justice to pollution and resource depletion, which directly impact the quality of life on Earth. Engaging youth in these issues instills a sense of responsibility and empowers them to contribute to long-term solutions. There are some key factors that are why ESDO always chooses youth as a change-making agent.
 
1. Longevity of Impact: Youth engagement ensures the continuity of environmental initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability that extends well into the future.
 
2. Diverse Perspectives: Young individuals bring unique viewpoints and creative ideas to the table, leading to innovative solutions that may not be apparent to older generations.
 
3. Educational Opportunity: Involvement in environmental issues offers youth practical learning experiences, connecting academic knowledge with real-world challenges.
 

4. Global Citizenship: By understanding and addressing environmental concerns, youth develop a sense of global citizenship and empathy towards other communities and species.

How does ESDO engage youth in environmental issues?

ESDO utilized various strategies to engage youth in environmental issues, bridging education and awareness campaigns, and providing hands-on experiences through workshops and class sessions. Some of these are the following.
 
1. Education: ESDO’s trying to incorporate environmental issues into curricula, which might equip youth with foundational knowledge, helping in decision-making. ESDO conducted several environmental education camps through formal classroom teaching and several informal workshops.
 

2. Awareness Campaigns: ESDO conducted several social media, workshops, seminars and public events to raise awareness about environmental challenges, enabling youth to grasp the urgency of these issues.

3. Hands-on Experiences: Through environmental education camp ESDO involved youth in tree planting, waste management processes and conservation practices which provide them with tangible experiences that connect youth directly to the environment.

4. Advocacy and Youth Groups: ESDO formed green clubs, platforms that enable youth to voice their concerns, ideas and solutions, empower them to advocate for policy changes and drive collective action.

5. Innovation Challenges: ESDO conducted several competitions, centered around environmental problems to encourage youth to develop innovative and technology-driven eco-friendly solutions.

Empowering Youth

We actively engage youth to drive positive change. Join us in shaping a sustainable future through education, engagement and impactful initiatives.

Changing Minds

ESDO sparks youth engagement through interactive class sessions on different environmental issues, workshops on zero-waste approaches and hands-on activities for a better learning experience. Our approach ignited their critical thinking levels, ensured active participation and generated creative ideas, cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

Youth Taking the Lead

Empowering youth to vanguard environmental and social change, drive innovation and promote a sustainable future through active leadership and engagement.

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Climate Action

ESDO envisions a world where youth actively participate in climate action. Through our initiatives, we empower young individuals to lead efforts in building climate resilience and driving sustainable solutions.

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Toxic Free Tomorrow

ESDO foresees a chemical-free future. Engaging youth, we work to raise awareness about toxic pollutants and plastics, inspiring them to take a stand for a cleaner environment and healthier communities.

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Gender Equality and Empowerment

ESDO involves youth as change agents. We empower youth to understand gender norms, promote women's participation, and drive positive societal transformation.

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Environmental Justice

ESDO believes youth play a pivotal role in advocating for equitable access to resources, raising their voices against environmental injustices and working towards a world where everyone can thrive.

Educational Impact

Knowledge

Students learn about environment, biodiversity and sustainability, expanding their understanding of the natural world.

Empowerment

Participation instills a sense of responsibility, motivating students to contribute positively to environmental conservation.

Experience

Engaging deeply with the natural world enhances mental and physical health while cultivates a greater appreciation for the environment.

Life Skills

Edu Camps develop leadership, problem-solving and teamwork skills, equipping students to address environmental challenges effectively.

ESDO team Mobile campaign at TSC

Mobile Campaign 2023

Young members of ESDO observed Plastic free July by creating mass awareness among the general public

Mobile Campaign 2021

Students at the University of Dhaka supported ESDO's demanded nationwide ban on single-use plastic

Graduation Speech 2022

One of the Member of Green Club delivered a speech on the urgency to end plastic pollution at the graduation ceremony.

Human Chain 2020

Energetic volunteers of Bangladesh Girls' Guide Association raised their voice for ban on single-use plastic.

Brand Audit 2022

Volunteers raised voices against Plastic Pollution during the Brand Audit'22 at Patenga Sea Beach, Chittagong.​

ILPPW 2019

"Bangladesh Girl Guides volunteers unite in a human chain, calling for the ban on lead paint to protect our future generations."

Student Testimonials

"Our school works collaboratively with ESDO. Through ESDO's environmental education camp, we became aware of the hazardous consequences of using single-use plastic in our daily lives. Prior to now, we were not concerned about managing plastic garbage. However, as soon as we begin working with ESDO, we learn how to properly manage our garbage, start using plastic-free alternatives, and living a waste-free lifestyle."
Sunam Dutta, Class 9, Lalmatia Housing Society School & College
"ESDO's education camps taught me new concepts that I had never known before. Through a variety of activities including poster presentations, role-playing, storytelling, etc., ESDO members have taught us a number of facts regarding plastic pollution. After discovering these facts, I came to the realization that it would be a major accomplishment for me if I could contribute to the effort to eradicate plastic pollution and create a sustainable future."
Marium Rahman, Class 7, Lalmatia Girls' High School & College
“The ESDO team has taught me so much. The consequences of plastic pollution are widespread. The burning of plastic produces greenhouse gas emissions. I'm attempting to use less plastic now that I've learned about its dangerous effects. I no longer bring a plastic bottle to school and event at home I do not use plastic bottles; instead, I use steel bottle. My classmates and I have made an effort to remove plastic garbage from the school and maintain it plastic-free."
Noushin Tabassum, Class 3, Lalmatia Girls High School and College