YouCAN has launched an eco-literacy innovation lab in partnership with the East-West Center (EWC). EWC is a U.S. based institution that started in the 1960s for public diplomacy and cultural exchange in the Indo-Pacific region. Together, we are inviting nature enthusiasts across different vocations in India to engage with questions that can change the paradigm of ecological literacy in their communities. With EWC's support, we look forward to innovating and trying new ideas to maximize our potential in building ecologically literate communities in India. 

1. To introduce nationwide programs in India that improve ecological consciousness, literacy and stewardship among children and youth.

2. To design virtual engagement platform for communities to experience nature.

SDG Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

​

By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

​

By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

​

Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights, are mainstreamed at all levels in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.

Daily innovation practices to move in innovation and be in stillness

If young people question the current narratives ranging from stories to wealth creation, and from the community to hope, they will be better equipped to redesign the world. Aimed at developing ecological consciousness in youth, the Earth Circle will adopt Mahatma Gandhi’s head, heart and hands approach to enable them to learn, reflect and act on self, social groups, and systems. In ten weeks, we would discuss ten central themes of how societies function and reflect on them to understand their intricateness and what is an individual’s role in them. Together, we can live big and existential questions, develop life perspectives, understand their values, experiment with activities in our community, and develop new systems to enable ecological consciousness in our communities. 

This innovation will be an engagement and professional development platform for you. This peer-led space that becomes a ladder for everyone who is a part of this to showcase their passion with the larger audience. You can be part of workshops, discussions, reflective sessions, film screenings, and many more. Going further,  you will also have opportunities to curate sessions for sharing your knowledge and skills with your peers and the larger audience. 

We are keen to share our journey of innovation with you. We will take you through our learnings and experiences on climate and leadership with the themes being central to our discussions. We would love to share professional virtual engagement tools to facilitate online learning if you wish to start your journey within your community.

At the core, the eco-literacy innovation lab is about creating positive change together.