[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”top left” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0.89) 30%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 80%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.89)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”30%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”80%” background_image=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/singapore-sustainability-youth-founders-accommodate-earth-school-impact-3-scaled.jpg” parallax=”on” width=”100%” min_height=”100px” custom_margin=”-12px||194px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-50px||194px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”8vw|1px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.49)” transform_translate_linked=”off” min_height=”192px” custom_margin=”192px|auto|150px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”180px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”61px|48px|61px|48px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”46px” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_font_size=”80px” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_5_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#000000″ header_5_font_size=”20px” header_5_letter_spacing=”0.5em” header_5_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”-36px||-2px|0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-30px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|200px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”5%” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”33px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_font_size_tablet=”48px” header_font_size_phone=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”14px” header_5_font_size_phone=”12px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s Sustainability Scene Is Bursting With Remarkable Young People<\/b><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|500|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_font_size=”80px” header_5_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#000000″ header_5_font_size=”20px” header_5_letter_spacing=”0.5em” header_5_line_height=”1.8em” min_height=”0px” custom_margin=”12px|129px|-38px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px|0px|-6px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|63px|||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”5%” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.8em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”48px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”14px” header_5_font_size_phone=”12px” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ inline_fonts=”Montserrat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Everi Yeo<\/b> speaks with the inspiring youth founders of Accommodate and Earth School Singapore to find out why they do what they do.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-194px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”84px” custom_margin=”-67px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-135px|auto|-100px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”58px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall once said: \u201cYou cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.\u201d Photos courtesy of Ms Sammie Ng and Ms Sheryl Chan.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About Us” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”1463px” custom_margin=”-136px||-385px|||” custom_padding=”107px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-6px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”2px|0|27px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px||true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_5_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ header_5_font_size=”14px” header_5_line_height=”0.5em” header_6_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”5px” header_6_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”659px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”5px|79px|104px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-35px|79px|0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|0px||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”35px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n BY <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_6_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”5px” header_6_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”1320px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|-415px|-45px|-616px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px|0px|0px|false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”35px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The typical Singapore resident has a carbon footprint that\u2019s more than <\/span>twice<\/span><\/a> the size of the world\u2019s average. Clearly, Singaporeans are not the most eco-conscious bunch.<\/span><\/p>\n Nevertheless, not all hope is lost. Here in Singapore, there is a growing community of changemakers who will stop at nothing to make the sustainability movement more accessible to the masses.<\/span><\/p>\n One such individual is Ms Sammie Ng, 24, the co-founder and Head of Programmes at <\/span>Accommodate<\/span><\/a>. At the heart of Accommodate is its flagship land-use simulation workshop. Over about two hours, participants role-play as local ministry officers and make redevelopment decisions for Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/accommodate-flagship-land-use-simulation-workshop-role-play-local-ministry-officers.jpg” alt=”grand-tour-travellers-cultural-enrichment” title_text=”accommodate-flagship-land-use-simulation-workshop-role-play-local-ministry-officers” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”28px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThe first-ever iteration of the game was played in mid-2017, and since then we have made various changes,\u201d Ms Ng says. \u201cWe are always refining the game experience, taking into account participants\u2019 feedback, and adapting it for different target audiences.\u201d Photo taken from <\/span>Skillseed<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-34px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cAccommodate was borne from what we thought would be a one-time event, organised by a group of us who volunteered for <\/span>Eco-Singapore<\/span><\/a>,\u201d recounts Ms Ng. \u201cWe felt that it would be a pity not to organise more sessions after the initial conceptualisation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/accommodate-co-founders-sammie-ng-chua-ying-xuan-scaled.jpg” alt=”gap-year-explore-career-fashion-passion” title_text=”accommodate-co-founders-sammie-ng-chua-ying-xuan” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”5px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms Ng (right) with Ms Chua Ying Xuan, the other co-founder of Accommodate. As co-founders, the two work tirelessly to find opportunities that\u2019ll allow more people to participate in their flagship workshop and benefit from it. Photo courtesy of Ms Ng.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-32px||-1px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Back when she was a volunteer with Eco-Singapore, Ms Ng found herself repeatedly asking this question: What would it take to get people who weren\u2019t interested in environmental issues to join important conversations? As it turns out, Accommodate was the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe other motivation was to encourage people with different interests to come together,\u201d shares Ms Ng. \u201cWhile it would be unreasonable to expect people to care about every single issue in the world, we thought that there is room for people to draw links between issues they may be personally invested in with those that are seemingly unrelated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”- Ms Sammie Ng, 24″ job_title=”Co-founder of Accommodate” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While it would be unreasonable to expect people to care about every single issue in the world, we thought that there is room for people to draw links between issues they may be personally invested in with those that are seemingly unrelated.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-28px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, at Accommodate\u2019s first event, the workshop sparked a conversation between representatives from biodiversity and cultural conservation organisations: two disciplines that don\u2019t seem to have much in common.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLike other ground-up projects, Accommodate is something we work on because we believe in it and it energises us,\u201d shares Ms Ng.<\/span><\/p>\n To date, over 800 people, including a number from government agencies, have gone through the Accommodate experience. In Ms Ng\u2019s words, the hope is that they\u2019ve gained a \u201cnewfound desire to be more curious and engaged in societal issues\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/accommodate-join-important-conversations-climate-change-land-use-nea-young-ntuc-event.jpg” alt=”celestine-chia-fashion-photography-new-york” title_text=”accommodate-join-important-conversations-climate-change-land-use-nea-young-ntuc-event” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”4px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Accommodate teaching youths about climate change and its relation to land use at an event supported by the National Environment Agency and <\/span>Young NTUC<\/span><\/a>. Photo taken from <\/span>Skillseed<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-35px||-1px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This project has not only contributed to the local sustainability scene, but also towards Ms Ng\u2019s personal growth.<\/span><\/p>\n As an introvert, she gets anxious whenever she has to speak to people about Accommodate. She also doesn\u2019t feel completely comfortable with taking on the role of a leader in her team.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYet, these are things I try to do and become better at because I care about Accommodate, and because we have met a lot of encouraging folks along the way,\u201d Ms Ng expresses.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/accommodate-leader-growth-minister-masagos-zulkifli-young-sustainable-impact-southeast-asia-singapore-sustainability-showcase.jpg” alt=”celestine-chia-fashion-photography-new-york” title_text=”accommodate-leader-growth-minister-masagos-zulkifli-young-sustainable-impact-southeast-asia-singapore-sustainability-showcase” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”2px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms Ng having a conversation about Accommodate with Mr Masagos Zulkifli, who was the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources from 2015 to 2020, at the Young Sustainable Impact Southeast Asia<\/span> Singapore Sustainability Showcase<\/span><\/a>. Photo taken from <\/span>Skillseed<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-36px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms Ng\u2019s work in Accommodate has also been a part of her self-exploration journey. She believes that in order for one to really know who they are, they have to understand the broader context of the society they live in, how they feel about the issues that exist in said society, and how they can be part of the solution.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>2021 TODAY Youth Survey<\/span><\/a> revealed that Singapore\u2019s youth have been very stressed out by the pandemic\u2019s restrictions. In fact, it has been the most common state of mind experienced by the demographic. In spite of this, youth here have displayed great resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented obstacles.<\/span><\/p>\n Along with COVID-19 came a huge challenge for Accommodate: As an in-person workshop involving anywhere between 10 and 25 participants, there was no way for Accommodate to carry on with business as usual.<\/span><\/p>\n Within the span of a few months, Ms Ng and her team successfully collaborated with <\/span>The Theatre Practice<\/span><\/a> to create an online version of the workshop. \u201cThat really relied on the brilliance of our team members and the support of our partner,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/accommodate-adapt-covid-19-restrictions-resilience-the-theatre-practice.png” alt=”gap-year-growth-new-york” title_text=”accommodate-adapt-covid-19-restrictions-resilience-the-theatre-practice” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”2px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” min_height=”43px” custom_margin=”-20px||26px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThe interactions and learnings from each session are never predictable because it depends on who is playing and facilitating. But we always have fun and the space always feels open,\u201d explains Ms Ng. Photo taken from <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-36px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Locally, organisations and businesses alike have taken steps to enable youths to be more involved in the shaping of their future.<\/span><\/p>\n For instance, towards the end of 2021, OCBC Bank <\/span>pledged<\/span><\/a> $100,000 in funding for several youth-led sustainability projects. To top it off, the bank linked these youths up with the relevant professionals, arming them with valuable resources of experience and knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n That said, Ms Ng reveals that funding for sustainability projects is often minimal and hence not exactly sustainable. \u201c[This] has implications for accessibility, whether in terms of who can be part of these projects or who can access the experiences [they provide].\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”- Ms Sammie Ng, 24″ job_title=”Co-founder of Accommodate” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [This] has implications for accessibility, whether in terms of who can be part of these projects or who can access the experiences [they provide].<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-30px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-4px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Another remarkable group of youths in the local sustainability scene is the team over at <\/span>Earth School Singapore<\/span><\/a> (just Earth School for short), a non-profit school focused on providing environmental education. This is the first school of its kind in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c[Existing] efforts to weave environmental education into subjects like science and geography are honestly not sufficient as the whole environmental crisis is so broad and multi-faceted,\u201d opines Ms Sheryl Chan, 23, one of Earth School\u2019s founding directors.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”- Ms Sheryl Chan, 23″ job_title=”One of Earth School Singapore\u2019s founding directors” _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [Existing] efforts to weave environmental education into subjects like science and geography are honestly not sufficient as the whole environmental crisis is so broad and multi-faceted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/earth-school-core-team-founding-directors-qian-hwee-cassandra-sheryl-dennis.jpg” alt=”gap-year-travels-experiences-europe-asia” title_text=”earth-school-core-team-founding-directors-qian-hwee-cassandra-sheryl-dennis” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Earth School\u2019s core team consists of Ms Po Qian Hwee, Ms Cassandra Yip, Ms Chan, and Mr Dennis Tan (from left). \u201cI have an amazing team\u2026 When it feels like I\u2019m running uphill, I know that these guys got my back,\u201d shares Ms Chan. Photo courtesy of Ms Chan.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-38px||-1px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms Chan, who is in charge of the organisation\u2019s curriculum planning and school outreach, hopes that environmental education will one day be included in the local school curriculum as a compulsory subject. She strongly believes that building proper awareness of humankind\u2019s interconnectedness with nature, especially among young children, is an essential part of safeguarding our planet\u2019s future and theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/earth-school-environmental-education-young-children-intertidal-guided-walk.png” alt=”gap-year-travels-experiences-europe-asia” title_text=”earth-school-environmental-education-young-children-intertidal-guided-walk” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-2px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An intertidal guided walk organised by Earth School. The team believes that it\u2019s important to expose children to nature’s beauty and teach them how to interact with the environment respectfully. Photos taken from <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-36px||9px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Earth School\u2019s publicity department has also put in the hours to expand their online presence, producing localised content that\u2019s designed to be helpful to the Singaporean audience.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am honestly really proud of how much Earth School has grown,\u201d says Ms Chan. \u201cIt motivates us to work even harder to make green education accessible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/earth-school-publicity-online-presence-localised-content-singaporean-audience.png” alt=”gap-year-breather-rest” title_text=”earth-school-publicity-online-presence-localised-content-singaporean-audience” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-6px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sometimes, when Ms Chan feels overwhelmed by the challenges her team runs into, scrolling through Earth School\u2019s Instagram page reminds her of how much they have achieved, serving as a huge source of encouragement. Photos taken from <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-36px||-1px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At just a little over a year old, Earth School is undoubtedly a young organisation.<\/span><\/p>\n Nonetheless, they\u2019re already set to contribute immensely to the local environmental scene. In February 2022, they\u2019ll be <\/span>piloting<\/span><\/a> the first national environmental education programme to exist in Singapore with the backing of the <\/span>SG Eco Fund<\/span><\/a>. The year-long programme has \u201cmany hands on deck from various organisations\u201d and will be rolled out across 10 primary schools.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/earth-school-february-2022-shield-first-national-environmental-education-programme-sg-eco-fund-primary-schools.jpg” alt=”confidence-time-management” title_text=”earth-school-february-2022-shield-first-national-environmental-education-programme-sg-eco-fund-primary-schools” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The programme\u2019s name was intentionally given a Marvel theme to encourage its young participants to see themselves as superheroes with a green cause. Photo taken from <\/span>LinkedIn<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Libre Caslon Text||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-36px||12px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||200px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Last year, a <\/span>survey<\/span><\/a> jointly conducted by <\/span>Eco-Business<\/span><\/a> and OCBC Bank uncovered that Singaporeans are highly aware of environmental sustainability issues.<\/span><\/p>\n However, it was also found that this awareness seldom translates into action, especially in the area of advocacy. The top reasons respondents cited for this were inconvenience, time constraints, and the belief that one\u2019s actions are too small to be impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n These survey findings may be disheartening, but the future holds much hope.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBeing an Environmental Studies major has exposed me to the many nasty things humanity has done to the earth\u2026 Sometimes, I forget that humans are also the solution,\u201d reflects Ms Chan.<\/span><\/p>\n Her time with Earth School has taught her to be more supportive of people while they strive to live more sustainably. \u201cBecause, as clich\u00e9 as this sounds, we\u2019re all in this together!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Rooms” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”100px” height=”408px” max_height=”1000px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”4.16″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”0px|65px” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_linked_phone=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_comments][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everi Yeo speaks with the inspiring youth founders of Accommodate and Earth School Singapore to find out why they do what they do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":8445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"2880","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[695,689,690,694,691,692,696,697,47,149,54,693,688,120],"class_list":["post-8433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nptribune","tag-accessibility","tag-accommodate","tag-earth-school-singapore","tag-environmental-education","tag-environmental-issues","tag-personal-growth","tag-sg-eco-fund","tag-shield","tag-singapore","tag-singaporean-youths","tag-sustainability","tag-the-theatre-practice","tag-youth-founders","tag-youths"],"yoast_head":"\n
Everi Yeo<\/strong>
Editorial Admin Manager<\/strong>
Hype Issue #54<\/strong><\/p>\nPublished on<\/h5>\n
February 3, 2022<\/h5>\n