Patrick is one of eighteen students (the only one from New Mexico) and two educators from eighteen states and Washington, D.C. who were selected to travel to Singapore and Malaysia for three weeks in July. They will gain firsthand experience and knowledge of the people and cultures of Singapore and Malaysia, with a specific focus on the two natons’ approaches to sustainable development.
Students are currently in the midst of a virtual component of the program, performing research and collaborating together online on various pre-program projects. Upon returning to the United States, participants will implement education and service projects in their communities involving the skills and knowledge they acquired during their travels.
Patrick writes, “As oceans rise, deserts widen, and storms intensify, environmental policies and sustainable developments become human rights and international security necessities. Future generations depend on this one to heal the world while there’s still time. The possibilities of what I can learn in Singapore and Malaysia are many, as these two societies have shown a great dedication to implementing environmental policies. Singapore’s Green Plan makes it a model for sustainable cities of the future, and Malaysia has implemented many environmental protection acts since the 1950s, and is working even today to lead the world in sustainable development. The skills I learn in these countries will allow me to lead my community to a higher level of environmental awareness, and inspire them to take matters into their own hands to lead this generation through difficult decisions that will preserve and heal our ailing world.”
This marks the third year of the American Youth Leadership Program, and the first with Singapore and Malaysia as the destination countries. Programs in 2011 and 2012 were conducted in Japan for more than 60 American students and educators.
Congratulations Patrick!
