Transformative Journey Through the WEP Volunteer and Mentorship Programme: Manbyen Daki’s Story
When I first saw the advertisement for the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) Volunteer Mentorship Program, I hesitated. My background was in business development, not environmental work, and I wasn’t sure if I belonged. But something about it intrigued me the possibility of learning something new and challenging myself. Little did I know that this decision would completely transform my perspective.
I initially expected networking opportunities and theoretical knowledge, but from the very first month, my understanding of environmental responsibility shifted. It wasn’t just about large-scale policies; I realized that small, everyday actions like reducing plastic use and conserving water could create meaningful change.
By the second month, this realization became deeply personal. I started evaluating my own habits and made changes at home. I spoke with my family, my spouse and children about climate change, waste management, and sustainable living. To my surprise, my children embraced these ideas eagerly, reminding each other (and me) about responsible waste disposal and even suggesting eco-friendly alternatives.
One conversation with my kids led me to another realization: their school had never marked World Environment Day. This sparked an idea I could help introduce environmental awareness activities at their school. I reached out to teachers and found that while they were interested in sustainability, there hadn’t been much effort to integrate it into school activities. Inspired by this, I initiated programs like tree planting, art competitions, debates, and environmental pledges.
Beyond the knowledge I gained, one of the most valuable aspects of the WEP mentorship was the sense of community. It was not just a program; it felt like a family where I was encouraged to share ideas, express myself, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. I saw firsthand that change doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when people come together with a shared vision.
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for this experience. It gave me more than just knowledge; it gave me a new way of seeing the world. I now understand that being a changemaker isn’t just about leading movements, it’s about influencing my home, my community, and the spaces around me.
To anyone considering this mentorship, I say: take the leap. You never know how an experience might reshape your perspective, open new doors, and help you see both the world and yourself differently. WEP did that for me, and for that, I will always be grateful.
