Empowering Sustainable Futures: A Journey for Green Solutions
by Saurav Dhakal
In May 2018, I set foot in Cleveland, a city marked by its unpredictable weather and vibrant atmosphere. Little did I know that this visit would mark the beginning of a transformative journey- one that would eventually lead me to the creation of the Youth Cohort on “Green Solutions.”
At the time, I led a social venture called StoryCycle in Nepal, which focused on collecting and promoting stories to empower local youth. However, the journey took an unexpected turn when a major earthquake disrupted our plans in 2015. Undeterred, we launched the “Build Your Own Place” campaign, an online platform for rebuilding stories after the quake.
Inspired by the success of this initiative and recognizing the need for youth-friendly infrastructure in Nepal, we initiated the “Our Dream City” campaign. This marked the beginning of my journey as a Professional Fellow in Cleveland, where I encountered the Making Our Own Space (MOOS) program at Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative.
MOOS empowered youth to creatively transform public spaces, aligning perfectly with my mission. After returning to Nepal, I evolved StoryCycle by integrating the lessons learned in Cleveland. We adapted, innovated, and continued making a positive impact through focusing on sustainability, community education, and environmental resilience.
The journey unfolded globally, as I had the opportunity to participate in the Alumni Thematic International Seminar (Alumni TIES) on “Environmental Diplomacy and its Impact on American Society” in Denver, Colorado, in April 2022. The seminar, set against the backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains, brought together alumni from diverse exchange programs. It ignited discussions on environmental diplomacy, renewable energy, and the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These discussions resonated with a shared realization — the urgent need for a shift towards a green economy. In the post-pandemic world, the call for sustainable practices became more apparent than ever. The seminar not only imparted knowledge but also fostered a renewed determination to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
The journey continued in the company of mountain man, Mark, on a hike through Denver’s majestic surroundings. It was more than a physical journey; it was a shared exploration of the environmental changes affecting the region. Mark’s commitment to an off-the-grid lifestyle highlighted tangible steps towards mitigating climate change.
Once I returned to Texas, I delved deeper into the intersection of sustainability and economic activities. Despite economic downturns, green industries thrived, emphasizing the importance of sustaining these practices for future resilience. However, the United States, with one of the world’s largest carbon footprints, faces challenges in meeting climate goals.
In Texas, climate changes are palpable — rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the threat of severe weather events. This spurred action in Euless, Texas, where a Youth Cohort on “Green Solutions” emerged. Collaborating with partners and the community, the program aimed to empower high school students in embracing sustainable practices.
We alumni designed a youth cohort on “Green Solutions” and embarked on a 40 -week endeavor to empower high school students to harness the transformative potential of nature-based solutions and sustainable practices and collaborate with the city of Euless as a primary partner.
In a 40-week journey akin to a captivating narrative, each week unfolded new revelations and growth opportunities. Facilitators, including Randall Hayes and Tyler McMahon, brought global expertise. Sirjana Sharma, Samita Kapali, Ranjeeta Subedhi, Saurav Dhakal, Deepika Gyawali, Prijun Koirala, Sushil Chaudhary, Teri Dodson, and John Quinn shared sustainable wisdom. Randall crafted sustainable ideas, Tyler navigated product life cycles, Sirjana offered legal insights, Samita aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Ranjeeta merged green solutions with public health. Saurav championed effective communication, Deepika instilled sustainable values, Prijun unleashed creativity, Sushil empowered with leadership skills, Teri linked solutions to markets, and John advocated for climate action.
The online sessions, conducted from February to May 2023, served as an incubator for novel ideas. The curriculum focused on a green economy, sustainable operations, and design thinking, providing practical skills for a sustainable future. Transitioning to in-person sessions in June, the program delved into sustainable operations, incorporating hands-on experiences in design thinking and prototyping.
The pitch event on June 9 marked the climax — participants transformed ideas into impactful actions. Projects like “Crocheted Plarn Items” and “Natural Green Tea” transformed from concepts to seeds planted for a greener future.
In the post-pitch phase, the journey meticulously navigated stages like prototyping, life cycle analysis, testing and validation, market research, iteration and improvement, and finally, launch and scaling. The collaboration with Hurst Marketplace & Creative Center added a unique vibrancy to these stages, amplifying outreach and impact.
The emergence of youth leaders marked the program’s success, with transformative projects like “Crocheted Plarn Items” and “Natural Green Tea” becoming realities. The baton now passes to the next cohort, under the guidance of these leaders, ensuring a legacy of sustainable initiatives in Euless.
In conclusion, the youth cohort on “Green Solutions” isn’t just a program; it’s a narrative of transformation. It’s a journey from inspiration to action, from ideas to impactful solutions. As we navigate the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world, this cohort isn’t just ideating; it’s scripting a tangible and lasting green legacy.
Saurav Dhakal is a 2018 alumnus of the Professional Fellow for Governance and Society from Nepal. He participated in the April 2022 Alumni TIES seminar on Environmental Diplomacy and its Impact on American Society in Denver, Colorado.
Alumni TIES is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by World Learning, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Affairs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
