Reflection on Green Ambassadors Training 2023

Last Updated (Friday, 30 June 2023 14:20)

↑ Jasmine Lim, one of the participants of the Green Ambassadors Training last May 2023

The Green Ambassadors Training held at Chiangmai provided a holistic training approach that allowed us to learn from one another the different perspectives in different countries and to be able to see and experience through the meaningful visits to Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae-Jo University, Ban Rai Dong Village, and Sao Hin YMCA. 

Particularly in our 5-day training, we learned from the participants who represented their respective schools and local YMCAs about how they tackle climate change in their countries and the education approach where they impart skills and knowledge to the younger generation.

During the Doi Inthanon visit, we had the opportunity to see and understand the Royal Project and the strong support from the Thai government towards the farmers, together resulting in a deeper understanding of the farm-to-table concept.

Visiting the highest spot on the mountain and the forest provided us a time to connect deeper with nature through our different senses, which are sight, sound, smell, and touch, and to reflect in the serene environment.

The visit to the university also brought us another perspective of how we can make use of renewable resources such as sunlight and the wind energy to generate electricity rather than the traditional methods which are harmful for the environment.

At Bai Rai Dong Village, we had the opportunity to help build the check dams and plant trees. It was an enriching experience for me to be reminded that we are stewards of God’s creation and there is a need to preserve nature so that our future generations are able to enjoy the goodness of His creation.

As for the visit to Sao Hin YMCA, I was thankful for being able to visit the learning centre where much knowledge has been imparted from the facilitators. This experience triggered the sensitivity to the urgency of climate change issues. 

The 5-day training was impactful, enriching, and meaningful. It provided us the opportunity to brainstorm and come up with the action plans that we could bring back to our local YMCAs and schools. If we try to do it alone, there is only how much we can do. But if we work together, the impact will be greater.

By Jasmine Lim
Green Ambassador, May 2023
Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore