ABOUT US
To empower young individuals by fostering a relationship with nature, nurturing personal growth, and inspiring real, lasting change for themselves and the planet.
At YEP Academy, we provide young individuals with the opportunity to (re)connect with themselves, others, and the natural world. Our unique outdoor learning environment encourages personal discovery, boosts self-confidence, and fosters a deep understanding of one’s purpose. We believe that lasting change for both humanity and the planet starts by bridging the divide between modern life and nature, empowering the next generation to embrace their role as part of the natural world. Our mission is to inspire and equip young people to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of today, through real, actionable experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.
OUR MISSION
We are committed to empowering young individuals through transformative outdoor and nature-based educational experiences. We foster personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community engagement by creating unique programs that nurture youth’s relationship with nature, inspire self-discovery, and cultivate leadership skills.
Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for youth, nurturing a generation that values nature, well-being, and positive societal and environmental impact.
Empowering You(th),
Awakening through Nature,
One Experience at a Time.
In the next decade, YEP Academy will be a leading outdoor and nature-based education provider across Cambodia and the broader Asia region. We envision a future where our philosophy and related activities are globally recognized for their impact on youth development and environmental awareness.
With established hubs across multiple countries, we aim to be the go-to organization for immersive outdoor education, fostering a deep connection to nature, sustainable practices, and personal transformation. Through strategic partnerships, sustainable growth, and a dedicated community, YEP Academy will shape the next generation of leaders committed to environmental and social change.
OUR METHODOLOGY
More than an outdoor experience, it's a journey toward personal growth, freedom, and empowerment.
YEP Academy distinguishes itself from conventional nature-based programs by integrating a comprehensive, academic approach to youth development. Unlike tour operators that use nature solely for entertainment without deeper facilitation, YEP Academy offers structured, transformative experiences based on the magic of nature, designed to build self-confidence, communication skills, and emotional resilience. Our nature-immersive programs are intentionally crafted to provide meaningful personal and professional growth, positioning us as an institution dedicated to youth empowerment and lifelong learning.
We aim to partner with like-minded organizations to create impactful, nature-based experiences that lead to real personal development, rather than just a temporary escape into nature.
MEET OUR TEAM
SOUHEANG LY
Souheang is a co-founder of the YEP Academy. Combining her background in education with her newfound expertise in yoga, and her passion for nature, she embarked on a unique career path as an outdoor facilitator. In her role as an outdoor facilitator, Souheang provides a secure and supportive setting where people can explore their physical potential, practice mindfulness, and build stronger connections with both the natural world and themselves. She is known as a vibrant and inspirational pioneer in the field of experiential learning because of her creative approach to fusing education, yoga, and outdoor experiences.
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DIRK REBER
Dirk Reber is a co-founder of the YEP Academy. He is an outstanding facilitator, coach & mentor with major qualifications in diverse outdoor settings. With his positive energy, optimism and scope of ambitions, he likes to see young people grow. He is fully convinced that empowerment requires nature as a learning field. As one of few, he is active in combining leadership, and outdoor and development cooperation. Besides providing strategic direction, Dirk is conducting the one-year Youth Leadership and Facilitation Program within the YEP Academy.
SIMON KAACK
Simon joined the YEP Academy, focusing on program development and organizational outreach. His educational background is in political science and human rights, where he paid particular attention to the intersections between environmental rights and sustainable living conditions. Having facilitated environmental and climate change academies in Germany himself, Simon is familiar with the challenges and benefits of practice-oriented education. Further, he is passionate about youth empowerment and exchange, especially between and within Southeast Asia and Europe.
VEASNA LOR
Veasna joined YEP Academy for coordination and administration. She graduated from the National University of Management and Norton University. With over a decade of experience in administration, her journey has been driven by a passion for empowering individuals and fostering growth through innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives. When Veasna began working with YEP Academy, she felt an incredible shift in her perspective on life. YEP has inspired her to embrace a deeper connection with nature, moving away from the fast-paced modern lifestyle to find peace and happiness in the simplicity of living close to nature. Through her work with YEP, Veasna has witnessed the profound impact of helping youth connect with nature.
ANNIE KUKREJA
Annie Kukreja is deeply passionate about addressing the PM2.5 air pollution crisis in Thailand and is actively involved in developing projects to tackle this pressing issue. Additionally, she is committed to contributing to global efforts to mitigate the severity of climate change. With a focus on hands-on experience and a continuous pursuit of knowledge, Annie finds inspiration in sustainable development and conservation practices. Join Annie on her journey as she strives to make a meaningful difference in the realm of environmental stewardship and climate action.
ANU RAI
Anu is an expert trekker and outdoor educator, for thrilling adventures across diverse terrains—from peaceful forest trails to challenging high-altitude mountain paths. With a deep passion for sustainable trekking and nature conservation, Anu ensures every journey is not just an adventure but a meaningful learning experience. Specializing in youth development, leadership training, and team building, Anu designs treks that foster resilience, confidence, and essential life skills. She believes in "Step into the wild, push your boundaries, and discover your true potential".
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HUY ING LAY
Huy Ing Lay is an individual with great courage, calmness, perseverance, and introspection. It is within nature's embrace that she finds her truest sanctuary. A firm believer in the transformative power of the natural world, Huy Ing sees a deep synergy between nature connection and personal growth. Her passion lies at the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, personal growth, self-reflection, and forging a deeper bond with the natural world. At YEP-Academy, she facilitates participants on journeys of self-awareness, personal growth, and immersive nature.
JOSIAH TEECE
Josiah “Joe” Teece is an outdoor educator & facilitator for international schools in Cambodia. After graduating from an international school himself, Josiah found employment in outdoor education as a way to bridge his passions of working with children and nature. Embodying the philosophy of being a life long learner, Josiah believes that the pursuit of knowledge is not confined to the formalities of the classroom or limited by age, and rather by one’s willingness to adapt and change.
KHAISINH MOUNH
Khaisinh Mounh has a passion for travel, technology, and social work and enjoys training others. He is a driven individual currently working as a data analyst at a private company. He also finds solace in reading books and enjoying the outdoors through various activities such as hiking and camping. At YEP Academy, Khaisinh facilitates an outdoor program called "Unlock Your EQ in the Nature Setting". He lives by the philosophy that regardless of how intelligent one may be, without the ability to work with people, one's dream will remain just that.
KUNTHEA THITH
Kunthea Thith is passionate about outdoor and environmental activities. Describing herself as a life-long learner, she has worked in different positions for a variety of organisations in the nature protection field. Being a graduate of the Youth Leadership and Facilitation Program, she realized that encouraging young people to challenge themselves by connecting to nature is the way of empowerment. With her kind and sensitive energy, Kunthea is facilitating the Nature Camps within the YEP-Academy.
LEAKHENA POUK
Pouk Leakhena’s childhood, spent in connection with nature, has profoundly influenced her life. The lesson from exploring the sea, mountains, and running on hills as a cowherd has shaped and filled her values, health, and relationships. She always encourages people to embrace an active lifestyle intertwined with nature and mindfulness by doing regular meditation; she believes that it enriches our life in ways that are both profound and lasting. She insists humans should appreciate the beauty of the natural world and make time for outdoor activities that nurture bodies, minds, and spirits!
LEAM SOU
Leam Sou has been working as a ranger guide in Virachey National Park in Ratanakiri for over 13 years. He is a dedicated Cambodian national park ranger with a passion for protecting the country's natural heritage. Despite the hardships and dangers he encounters in her line of duty, Sou remains steadfast in her mission to safeguard Cambodia's natural treasures for future generations.
LIDA CHHUN
Lida Chhun is a first-generation graduate of the Youth Leadership and Facilitation Program. With her confident and emotional character, she has developed a deep passion for environmental protection. Especially climate change is particularly to her heart: “We are part of the planet and it’s our responsibility to take care of our home”. She is fully convinced, that more young people need to be engaged to protect the environment and stop climate change. Besides working as a sustainability coordinator in the food industry, Lida is conducting the Climate Change Trainings within the YEP Academy.
MALAY CHEY
Malay is an adventurous, enthusiastic, and determined individual passionate about promoting Ecotourism in Cambodia through traveling, leading, and sharing knowledge with people. Upon returning from abroad, his passion for being an outdoor enthusiast has pushed him to travel around Cambodia, visiting untouched and exotic locations with the local people. Having no background in tourism before, he is now equipped with advanced outdoor skills and has become one of the YEP Academy's talented trainers.
MALIN NOV
Malin struggles with her life balance. However, she found peace in nature. Malin found out that nature brings her peace and joy. Also, she is passionate about sharing the experiences of how important nature and the conservation of biology are connected to humans.
YEP Academy is the first place that created this opportunity for her to explore the nature and find out that the nature is our friend, not the enemy.
NIMEY RIN
Nimey Rin is a dynamic young leader who has made a name for herself through her passion for empowering youth and tackling climate change. Currently, she is serving as the acting national general secretary of an NGO. Nimey is passionate about traveling, exploring, reading, working with young people, and developing leadership programs that help foster growth and development. At YEP Academy, she facilitates programs that support youth empowerment, which falls under the topic of "Leadership".
PHY PHORN
Phy Phorn grew up in a rural area with limited access to education, fostering a deep appreciation for learning and a commitment to sharing knowledge. With a professional background in education, he has focused on raising awareness of environmental issues. Working with youth brings immense joy, as it allows him to be part of their growth and help them develop valuable skills for the future. Phorn thrives on hands-on experiences and has discovered a passion for outdoor learning. Exploring nature brings peace and a sense of connection, and he deeply values the beauty and lessons that nature offers.
PRACHAN BHUJEL
Prachan Bhujel is an environmental professional with a strong academic background in Environmental Science and extensive experience in sustainability and climate advocacy. As a program coordinator at Akasha Academy NGO, he develops and implements sustainability initiatives, collaborates with local authorities, and designs educational programs. Prachan's work includes disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, showcasing his leadership in building community resilience. Outside of work, he is an avid nature photographer and enjoys hiking, trekking, cycling, and traveling. Prachan thrives in collaborative environments, takes on leadership roles, and is passionate about inspiring youth to promote sustainability and positive change.
RANNY RITH
Ranny is an active listener, outgoing, and enthusiastic. Women empowerment has always been her go-to scheme; she believes creating safe space in outdoor settings contributes to self-confidence and self-awareness and consequently promotes a positive mindset and compassion toward community and the environment. She looks forward to seeing the readiness for the next adventure as well as hope for transformative growth. To her, being with nature is an experiential learning; the journey itself brings people together.
RATHANAK PHENG
Rathanak Pheng enjoys going camping, trekking, and exploring new places. Additionally, he promotes ecotourism both domestically and abroad. As a forest fan and advocate for ecotourism, Rathanak keeps pushing the community to learn more about the advantages of ecotourism and to protect the environment so that nature can remain stable for a long time.
SAM ANG YI
Sam Ang grew up in a rural village. He has always been fascinated by nature. After finishing high school, he got the opportunity to join the tourism school, Ecole Paul du Brule. Sam Ang returned to his hometown after graduation but was disappointed by the amount of change in the environment and tourism. He thinks he could be part of the solution by engaging tourism with outdoor activities and adventure. Sam Ang is facilitating an adventure camp at the YEP Academy.
SOCHEATA CHUN
Having a passion for outdoor learning, Socheata Chun graduated from the Training of Trainer program at YEP Academy, which supports her simple living lifestyle of protecting and respecting natural diversities. With her background in managing a global citizen education program, she is potentially leading the young generation to be aware of global issues and initiate solutions for all. Based on this experience, she is keen on raising awareness of social and environmental knowledge in the community, especially deepening into climate change, which needs to be solved.
SOPANUTH CHEA
Sopanuth Chea, a dedicated outdoor enthusiast turned tour leader, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. Having honed his skills as an outdoor trainer and graduated from the YEP-Academy Training of Trainers program, his vibrant energy and enthusiasm shine through as he facilitates the "Comprehensive Outdoor Skills" training, empowering others to explore and thrive in nature. Beyond his training responsibilities, Sopanuth also leads adventure programs in kayaking and mountain bike cycling, further enriching the outdoor experiences of those he guides.
SOWICHEA SAING
Sowichea is a creative, innovative and pragmatic environmental activist. Working as a ranger for Wildlife Alliance Cambodia to protect the forest and wildlife from illegal actions, he has deep insides about Cambodian’s current natural resources and biodiversity. Being a graduate of the Youth Leadership and Facilitation program, he like to see more young people experiencing the uniqueness of nature through outdoor and adventure education. Sowichea is facilitating the adventure camps of the YEP-Academy.
BOUNTOEM TREXZ SOUVANNASY
Trexz Souvannasy is the founder of the Message for the Future Pakse Volunteers. He was raised in Paksong district, Champasak province, in southern Laos. For his entire life, Trexz was exposed closely to nature and had a primitive livelihood that unescapably relied on nature. Therefore, all skills in the outdoors automatically run by themselves within him. Despite running tirelessly behind this fast-changing world, Trexz firmly believes that humans can rebuild our extinct senses by spending enough time in nature.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organisations in Germany. It is politically independent and non-denominational. Welthungerhilfe is fighting hunger around the world and is focusing its work around the Sustainable Development Goal 2: “Zero Hunger by 2030”.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is a cabinet-level ministry that works to encourage economic development within Germany, and in other countries through international cooperation and partnerships.
Civil Society Academy (CSA) was founded in 2014 as an initiative of Welthungerhilfe to support social pioneers, civil society leaders, activists and development enthusiasts to fulfill their mission and vision.
We are a member of The Wilderness Network - there you will find nature and wilderness schools with their courses: https://wildnet.earth/.
From up-cycling organic waste to vermicompost through raising earthworms, vermicompost training, farm investing, and product contract farmers with farmers. JUNLEN's vision is to empower farmers to become sustainable in environment, economic and society lifestyle.
រុក្ខាលែប_RukkhaLab's mission is to work with farmers and promote local raw materials into market used products with the purpose of reducing poverty, immigrating and increasing domestic economic growth. We also generate eco-friendly workplaces including manufacturing and packaging and build up youth leadership.
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Xavier Jesuit School provides high-quality education and offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses academic excellence, character formation, and social responsibility. It caters to students from diverse backgrounds and emphasizes holistic development.
Domlei means ‘value’ in the Cambodian language. At Domlei, everything is guided by respect, responsibility and fairness: to their team of artisans, their community, the environment, and of course to their customers. In a world of fast fashion, Domlei values traditional skills and natural materials. The fabrics used are sourced locally, often from garment industry off-cuts, and carefully selected.
SokFarm is an urban gardening initiative focused on community engagement, offering reliable and safe ingredients. They produce a variety of products including coffee, snacks, foods, and cocktails, while also hosting events to bring people together.
ZEROW is a green media platform raising awareness on sustainable consumption and production, and climate action. They produce fun and friendly digital content for young audiences to easily digest informative information. On ZEROW, environmental enthusiasts can find resources that are practical for taking action.
Started in 2019 in Cambodia, with its first steps in the province of Kampong Cham then on the island of Koh Rong Sanloem, Trash is Nice finally settled in Phnom Penh in 2022. In their workshops, they operate a set of machines, settle up a plastic collection system, produce objects out of the materials they collect and explore new recycling possibilities.
Compost City creates experiential learning opportunities, using the actions of composting & gardening, to connect people with environmental care. This is implemented through learning tools, such as the home compost kit, public events, private workshops, and the Leng Dei educational garden in Phnom Penh.
EcoCupid is Southeast Asia’s environmentalist-focused social network platform that curates inspirational eco-projects and educational content through multilingual media. They are an environmental media project.
Isan Youth Leaders is an initiative dedicated to training and empowering young individuals in Thailand's Isan region for sustainable practices. The program emphasizes leadership development, environmental awareness, and community engagement. By equipping youth with the necessary skills and knowledge, Isan Youth Leaders aims to foster a generation of proactive, environmentally conscious leaders.
Only One Planet is a Social Enterprise that self-funds through the sale of eco-friendly food packaging and reusable items. Their main goal is impact - they want to help people understand the bigger issues surrounding plastic, and support local projects and initiatives that will help everyone to make better choices.
