As Gaeilge


login | contact us

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)


      The Housing Executive supports Young Reporters for the Environment here in NI.

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a network of passionate young people educating for sustainable development by producing creative and engaging environmental journalism. Coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), YRE is in 42 countries worldwide and growing! Northern Ireland is proudly one of these countries thanks to the excellent participation of our students and teachers. 

The YRE Competition invites young people between the ages of 11 and 25 to report on environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and pollution through articles, photographs, and videos.

To participate in the YRE National Competition, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Registration Form

2. Follow the YRE Methodology to investigate a local issue, research solutions, create a report (in the form of an article, photographs, or video documentary), and disseminate your work.

3. Read through the awarding criteria for your category.

4. Submit your final piece of work and the accompanying form (linked below) for the 2024 YRE Competition to eco-schools@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org by Friday, 26th April 2024.

  •       Article - entry form
  •       Single Reportage Photo - entry form
  •       Single Campaign Photo - entry form
  •       Photo Story of 3-5 Photos - entry form
  •       Video - entry form

The 1st place winner of each category in Northern Ireland will win a monetary prize of £100 and have their work submitted to the YRE International Competition. 

Support to help you get started with YRE

  • Tools and Resources including YRE handbook, checklists, lesson plans, video tutorials, webinars, teacher and pupil resources & access to FEE Academy.
  • We have worked in collaboration with the Housing Executive to develop a CCEA GCSE English Language from September 2017, Controlled Assessment Task for Unit 2: Speaking and Listening. Please feel free to share this with Your English Departments. It can be downloaded here.
  • Check out some great examples of work by past winners of the International YRE Competition.

Exciting Opportunity for Young Reporters 18 years and older!

Every year, representatives from FEE member organisations running programmes such as the Young Reporters for the Environment come together for the National Operators Meeting to discuss how Education for Sustainable Development can work to address the critical themes and priorities facing our environment.

In 2025, our National Operators Meeting will be held in South Korea, and five winners (18 years or older) from the 2024 International YRE Competition will be invited to participate and report on their experience. For a chance to win this prize, they must first participate and win in their national YRE Competition to then enter into the International YRE Competition.

Contact your local field officer or eco-schools@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org for more information.