SABIC Lights of Our Future inspires students to think globally and act locally

“Everyone should work together to make a better environment.” 

We couldn’t agree more with this advice from Geon-woo, a fourth grade student at Maewon Elementary School in Suwon, Korea, who was inspired by the Lights of Our Future program, a CSR initiative by SABIC.

The SABIC Lights of Our Future initiative aims to inspire young people to become ambassadors of a sustainable future. Through the initiative, students in 14 locations around the world learned about environmental protection, science and technology, water and sustainable agriculture, and health and wellness. Volunteers from SABIC led the hands-on learning experiences, drawing from their expertise at the innovative company.

At the Korea program, volunteers  focused on environmental protection,  teaching children to think globally and act locally. Children learned about global issues such as climate change, pollution, and sustainable development, and engaged in concrete ways to protect the environment in their community.  

““I am volunteering because I care about our children’s future. I hope children learn how to protect the environment. I hope my daughter and other children will grow up to live in a cleaner environment.” ”

— Jay Baek, Business Development Manager, SABIC.

“I learned about the seriousness of global warming, the climate crisis, and the earth’s environment,” said Geon-woo. “I think all of my friends should know more about climate change.”

“I was surprised by the students’ knowledge of environmental issues. They knew more than I expected,” said  Baek. “I think this is a really good experience for them to help build their future. I hope more of my colleagues will volunteer in Lights of Our Future and help teach children about environmental issues and how to protect the environment.”

Baek and his colleagues advised students on how they could reduce, reuse, and recycle so that they generate less waste and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“This program is important,” said Baek. “We are trying our best to protect the environment, and the way we approach this critical issue must change. I think this program can be a starting point, and I hope that the young children share what they learn with their family and friends.”

Thanks to the contributions of Baek and his fellow volunteers from SABIC, Geon-woo and his classmates are making small changes to their daily lifestyles to protect the environment, and helping their friends and families do the same.