YRE is an international education for sustainable development programme implemented in 34 countries across the world to create a global network of passionate young people changing the status quo through engaging and creative socio-ecological journalism. Starting with young people wanting to fully understand the issue of ozone depletion to report it to widest possible audience in real time, YRE was officially launched as an education programme by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE – www.fee.global) in 1994. South Africa, represented by WESSA (wessa.org.za) as the endorsed YRE National Operator, joined the global network as the third African country after Ghana and Morocco.  WESSA YRE engages with youth between the ages of 11 – 25 to develop their skills and knowledge about issues that directly affect their community and enhance critical thinking, leadership, communication, social responsibility, data analysis and teamwork skills.