What is EcoManka?
EcoManka is a vibrant social innovation collective on a mission to inspire youth for a sustainable future. It’s all about transforming communities through collaboration, co-design, and innovation. This collective empowers young people and partners with organizations to co-create programs and solutions that tackle real-world challenges head-on. Through an immersive youth program and advisory services, EcoManka equips the next generation of eco-leaders with the skills they need to build resilient communities and foster a sustainable tomorrow.
The Main Benefit: Empowering Youth Through Playful Learning
The heart of EcoManka’s work lies in its 16-week youth program, designed to nurture social and emotional skills, sustainability awareness, and social innovation—all through playful, experiential learning. Here’s a quick snapshot of what the program offers:
- Six transformative stages guiding youth from self-awareness to impactful communication
- Focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, and connection to nature
- Creative gameplay and role-playing to build empathy and collaboration
- Community engagement to identify and address local challenges
- Co-creation and prototyping of practical solutions with stakeholders
- Storytelling and marketing skills to amplify youth-led projects
Adapting Programs Through Community Collaboration
EcoManka doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, it works closely with local communities to tailor its programs to fit unique environments and cultures. Acting as designers, trainers, and network builders, the collective helps communities bring the program to life through play and human connection. This adaptive, collaborative approach sparks social innovation, boosts community well-being, and promotes sustainable development across diverse settings worldwide.
Advisory Services: Designing Impactful Programs and Strategies
Beyond youth programs, EcoManka offers specialized advisory services for organizations focused on youth and young adults. Whether it’s educational institutions, entrepreneurship programs, or community groups, the collective partners to design meaningful, sustainable programs and strategies. Their expertise includes:
- Program and service design using human-centered principles
- Strategic planning and sustainable business model development
- Building strong, resilient networks that amplify impact
The Collective Behind EcoManka
EcoManka is powered by a diverse group of innovators, educators, and changemakers. This passionate team includes designers, facilitators, educators, and network builders, all driven by social innovation and youth empowerment. Plus, experts in sustainability, social-emotional learning, gamification, well-being, and technology bring a rich blend of skills and deep experience. Together, they nurture eco-leaders and help build stronger communities worldwide.
EcoManka’s Impact and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4: Quality Education – fostering lifelong learning through innovative youth programs
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – promoting resilient, eco-friendly community initiatives
- SDG 13: Climate Action – empowering youth to address environmental challenges
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – building networks and collaborations for lasting impact
Join the Movement: Making a Difference Together
EcoManka invites everyone to get involved—whether by volunteering skills, donating to expand programs, or collaborating on impactful projects. The collective’s pilot program, Verde Esperanza, is already making waves in Moravia, Medellín, where 30 teenagers are exploring emotional intelligence, urban gardening, and eco-tourism through a playful 16-week journey. This pilot is just the beginning, laying the groundwork for a scalable model that can inspire communities worldwide. Interested in learning more or connecting? Reach out and start the conversation—there’s a place for everyone in this journey toward sustainable change.
