CleanR Grupa engages in environmental education curriculum development for secondary-school students in Latvia
During the 11th consecutive season of the Junior Achievement Latvia Leadership program, CleanR Grupa, together with the youth from 13 different Latvian schools, will seek creative and innovative environmental education solutions, informs Agita Baltbārde, CleanR Grupa’s Member of the Board and European Climate Pact Ambassador to Latvia.
“Latvia needs a strategic approach to environmental education. Last year, by setting up Šūna, a pop-up environmental education site, we observed great interest from young people about environmental issues; yet they also need space where their knowledge may be developed and put into practice. That is why we have posed a challenge to our youth within the Junior Achievement Latvia (JAL) Leadership program—it is a call to generate ideas and solutions for environmental initiatives that both inspire and encourage people to change their habits in the long run. I believe that the peer-to-peer approach will generate content that young people find inspiring,” emphasizes Agita Baltbārde.
Guntars Kokorevičs, the CleanR Grupa Founder and Chairman of the Council, who initiated the JAL Leadership program in 2014, states: “Our aim is to raise the young generation of leaders who can think strategically and find solutions to real problems. Sustainability and environmental protection are themes that are rising to prominence, and we want the youth to be part of those who bring about change.”
Within the project, the youth have to generate ideas that raise people’s awareness of environmental issues and sustainability. They will have a chance to develop solutions increasing awareness of the circular economy, sustainable lifestyle, waste sorting habits, and environmental protection.
The program participants have to submit their ideas to CleanR Grupa by August this year, and the best of them will be steered for further development.
The JAL 2025 Leadership program includes 13 Latvian schools: Ventspils State Gymnasium No 1, Jēkabpils State Gymnasium, Liepāja State Technical College, Jelgava Spīdola State Gymnasium, Jelgava Secondary School No 4, Saldus Secondary School, Riga State Gymnasium No 2, Talsi Secondary School No 2, Riga State Gymnasium No 1, Vecumnieki Secondary School, Liepāja Friendly Appeal Secondary School, Ogre Technical College, Valmiera Technical College.
The JAL Leadership program is aimed at the youth aged 16–20 to boost their personal growth, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The program offers an opportunity to work on real business and sustainability challenges together with mentors representing various industries. The JAL team of mentors includes the CleanR Grupa Founder and Chairman of the Council Guntars Kokorevičs and Member of the Council Māris Mančinskis.
