KHOU JEROME

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

I believe: "If you walk alone, you will go fast; if you walk with a group of people, you will go far." I never expect to go fast and I'm willing to walk with everyone. So, my friends and I, also known as the eco gila team, established the non-profit organization Green Educator's Workgroup (GREW) in Penang, Malaysia. My team and I have organized more than 50 sessions related to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and have benefited more than 20,000 students throughout Malaysia, including through a memorandum on the improvement of ESD for the Malaysian Minister of Education. Not only that, all our programs that are conducted are free of charge and do not involve any registration fees to benefit students and youth. As of 2023, we are pleased to have nearly 60% of schools in Penang involved in our programmes.

In line with our mission to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship, our workgroup has been dedicated to advancing innovative and impactful initiatives that empower educators, students, and stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. From teacher training to community engagement and advocacy campaigns, our endeavors have sought to integrate environmental principles into the fabric of education and inspire a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey to become an environmental activist began when I was training to become a teacher in 2015. My campus participated in the Eco Campus Programme, which was then hosted by WWF-Malaysia. My team formed a volunteer group and I learned more about environmental issues. The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) team in WWF-Malaysia empowered me to take on leadership roles and I even represented them in a global conference! This is not something I usually do, and I was really pushed beyond my comfort zone.

When I became a teacher, I was confident that we could make greater progress working with other like-minded people. My friends and I co-founded Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW), and I am glad I had encouraging school principals who supported the implementation of ESD initiatives through the whole-school approach. As a teacher, I can personally observe students growing everyday, and this motivates me to continue to advocate for ESD.

Throughout my journey as an environmental activist, I have explored various possibilities that can be achieved through curriculum enhancement. I was pleased to be awarded the Malaysia Teacher Prize and 3R Inspiring Teacher Award in 2023. Making the earth a more sustainable place is not just a dream, but it can be a reality. My fellow youths, I believe we can achieve this together! Let’s move beyond our comfort zone, and always be humble to learn throughout the process.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

Please check out GREW through our links below:

• Website

• Facebook

• Email:  greweducators@gmail.com

• Instagram

A Little More About Me

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?

Persevere, believe in yourself, stay strong, build a team and be humble.

Who (or what) do you look up to as inspiration?

Nelson Mendela. His strong vision and perseverance never faltered even in prison. This inspires me to be a stronger and more visionary leader.

How do you recharge?

Sports and spending time in nature