Starchild: How Malaysian kids are making a difference for Mother Earth

Farrel Zafran Faihan, 9

Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day. It is a special day dedicated to our amazing planet. It is also a reminder that Earth is our home, and just like how we take care of our rooms, toys and pets, we also need to take care of the world we live in.

Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 11

This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”, which means everyone can work together and learn new things to help take care of the Earth.

By sharing ideas, we can help protect our Earth.

The theme is retained from 2025 because it represents a continuous call to focus on renewable energy.

Earth gives us so many wonderful things. We breathe fresh air, drink clean water and enjoy food that grows from the soil.

Forests, oceans, animals and even tiny insects all play important roles in keeping our planet healthy.

But sometimes, human activities like cutting down too many trees and wasting resources can harm the Earth.

The good news is that even small actions can make a big difference – and kids can help too!

Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11

You can start by turning off lights and fans when you’re not using them, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and reducing waste by reusing items or recycling.

Bringing your own water bottle or lunch container instead of using disposable ones is another great step.

Spending time outdoors can also help you appreciate nature.

Whether it’s planting a tree, caring for a garden or simply enjoying a park, these activities remind us why protecting Earth is so important.

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Earth Day.

“Earth Day reminds me that the planet is our shared home. If we throw rubbish everywhere or waste water, it’s like making our own home dirty. I try to help by using less plastic and reminding my family to recycle. I also love watering plants because it makes me feel like I’m helping something grow,” says Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 11.

Arrizqy Izzran Ahmad Izzrafiq, 12

Arrizqy Izzran Ahmad Izzrafiq, 12, thinks Earth Day is about protecting animals and nature. “I watched a video about turtles getting hurt by plastic, and it made me sad. Now, I always use a reusable bottle and say no to plastic straws. Even small things can help animals stay safe.”

“For me, Earth Day is a time to learn more about how the Earth works. Trees give us oxygen, and oceans help control the weather. If we don’t take care of them, it affects everyone. I like planting flowers and keeping my surroundings clean. It makes me happy to see a greener environment,” writes Fathiahana Arissa Faihan, 11.

Younger sibling Farrel Zafran Faihan, nine, does his part to celebrate Earth Day. “I turn off the lights when I leave the room and unplug chargers when they’re not in use. My teacher says if everyone does a

little, it adds up to something big. I think that’s cool because it means kids like us can help too!”

ITEM: Teachers Day is the perfect time to say “Thank you” to the amazing teachers who guide, inspire and support us every day. Do you have a favourite teacher who made learning fun? Or

someone who helped you when things were tough?

Write us a letter telling us about a teacher who made a difference in your life. You can share a special memory, a funny moment in class, or simply why you appreciate them. What makes this teacher so special? How have they helped you grow?

Your letter can be sweet, funny, or even creative – you can include drawings, poems or little messages too!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by May 1. Please put “STARCHILD: Teachers Day” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.