Development of a Informal Environmental Education Program for Out-of-School Youth

This study aims to develop a non-formal environmental education program for out-of-school youth. The design and development research methodology proposed by Richey and Klein (2007) was applied. The program was developed through literature reviews, case studies, and needs assessments, and its validity was verified through expert formative evaluations (FGI evaluations and CVI). The results of the study are as follows: First, the core values, learning processes, and support structures of an environmental education program for out-of-school youth were identified, leading to the development of a draft program. Second, the draft program was revised and improved based on expert feedback gathered from the first and second FGI evaluations, and a content validity index (CVI) test was conducted on the improved version. Through this process, the final version of the non-formal environmental education program for out-of-school youth was developed. The results can serve as a model for educators responsible for teaching out-of-school youth to develop and implement environmental education programs. Out-of-school youth will be equipped with creative problem-solving skills, enact positive changes in their lives, and foster a sense of environmental and community values, enabling them to engage with and address various environmental issues in their communities. This continuous practice in daily life will lead to the pursuit of change and innovation. Furthermore, this study is expected to contribute to career education for out-of-school youth, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and job creation related to the environment.