Green Pathways: Empowering International Students for Climate Resilience

Last December Future Forte celebrated an incredible milestone - successfully conducting all three transformative workshops: Seed, Roots, and Flowers, with our partner Lara Jean Salaysay. Lara is a climate change and green skills educator, facilitator, and the Victorian International Student of the Year 2024.

These workshops weren’t just sessions; they were vibrant explorations into climate action, sustainability, and personal growth, designed to spark curiosity, reflection, and empowerment.

Starting with the Seed , participants dove deep into understanding climate change and its impacts in Melbourne. Through interactive quizzes and breakout discussions, we connected global challenges to local solutions. It was a mind-expanding journey that left everyone ready to embrace resilience and action.

Then came the Roots , where we got practical and personal. From discovering clever ways to make rental homes more sustainable to brainstorming innovative solutions for real-world challenges like composting and renewable energy adoption, the session was a toolkit of inspiration. Who knew climate resilience at home could be so dynamic?

Finally, the Flowers session blossomed with conversations about green careers. Participants unearthed their "climate ikigai," connecting passions to meaningful opportunities in the green job sector. With an inspiring panel discussion featuring seasoned experts and fresh perspectives, the session was a beacon of possibility for every attendee dreaming of a climate-responsive future.

These workshops weren’t just about learning - they were about community, creativity, and action. Whether sharing climate solutions, sparking meaningful dialogue, or discovering new career pathways, each session planted seeds of change that will grow for years to come.

Here’s to celebrating milestones, and here’s to all the participants who made them unforgettable! Keep the momentum alive as we nurture these ideas into action