Story of EZED - An Environmental NGO in Kerala

Our Story: From Classmates to Community Builders

Our journey to start an environmental NGO began not with a grand plan, but with a challenge. As students in the M.A. Environmental Studies program at Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University (TEMU), Tirur, Kerala, we often heard the same disheartening feedback: our two-year course, taught entirely in our mother tongue, Malayalam, wasn’t “job-oriented.”

But as we delved deeper into the curriculum, we realized the naysayers were missing the point. The course offered a powerful advantage, providing us with a clear understanding of the environmental sector. Our purpose truly ignited through two crucial hands-on experiences. First, the program culminated in a valuable ten-day internship with NGOs, equipping us with essential practical knowledge. Second, following our course completion, several of us participated in the Green Skill Development Programme—a deep dive into biodiversity conservation, implemented in collaboration with the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences in Kozhikode. This biodiversity program was a watershed moment; it connected us with a diverse group of passionate individuals who shared our exact convictions. These new connections became our kindred spirits and the core foundation of our future team.

With our community and purpose solidified, the final piece fell into place. After graduation, a crucial connection—made through a friend—introduced us to an invaluable mentor: the founder of an existing NGO. With their expert guidance on the essential formalities, we combined our collective passion and expertise. Discussions with our growing team of fellow TEMU classmates and supportive friends quickly coalesced into a shared vision, culminating in the official launch of the EZED Foundation.

As beginners, our mission is focused and direct. We are currently dedicated to grassroots change through:

• Environmental Education
• Women Empowerment
• Upcycling and Waste Segregation Campaigns

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our work into vital areas like biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, always rooted in the belief that local knowledge and community action are the keys to a healthier planet.

To see our programs so far please click below.