About the organisation
Our Pedagogy:
- At CPA, we use the head-heart-hand methodology, via a month-long accelerator where participants acquire practical skills like theories and critical thinking (head). We emphasise the need to pair knowledge with Social Emotional Learning (heart), which is worked into every part of the process. This manifests in our uniquely curated curriculum where we facilitate challenging conversations relating to personal identity, environmental justice and privilege. We intentionally hold space for vulnerability, enabling participants to build relationships with each other, and come to a deeper ontological understanding. Finally, this culminates in an action-oriented approach (hand) as participants kickstart a self-designed environmental project in their local communities. This allows them to take ownership of their learning, and embark on transformative personal journeys. The continuity of projects post-CPA and alumni returning as organisers reflects the value that CPA has given to its participants.
How has it been spreading?
- As a Southeast-Asia community, we evolved from initially 3 to now 4 countries.
- Over 5 cycles, we have reached out to more than 100 youths, with around 10-16 senior high school participants and 7-12 youth organisers each cycle. Although our numbers remain modest, we strongly
believe in the intimacy of a small community. Additionally, we believe our impact scales outwards-participants educate their local communities on environmental issues, and many former participants and organisers continue to working on environmental and social issues even after CPA.
My role & contribution
- I joined the organising team as a fresh member, and helped to organise and execute 2 cycles of our flagship accelerator. The first cycle I was involved in was in 2019 and it was conducted in Singapore; the second cycle I was involved in was held virtually on Zoom in 2020.
- From 2021 to 2022, led the team as the main project coordinator in working on organisational development and towards greater financial sustainability. As the coordinator, I managed the team in prioritising tasks and setting the agenda for weekly meetings. As a community builder/weaver, I focused on facilitating spaces for growth between youth organisers, youth participants, and alumni of our programme.