Small changes, big impact

“We need to create understanding and awareness among students on the importance of environmental sustainability as it is closely linked to all aspects of human life. My school is using Beneficial Indigeneous Microorganisms to replace cleaning detergent. There is also a One Student, One Tree campaign where all the students need to bring their own trees to be planted in school. We have also built our own rain harvesting system as a water reservoir and use it for cleaning, as well as watering the plants. The students have been taught how to make soap out of used cooking oil which we use in the school toilets.” — Fasya Abdull Hamid, SMK Datuk Onn Butterworth, Penang

“We educate the next generation not just through books, but also using hands-on experiences. This way, they have the skills and knowledge to practise what they’ve learnt outside of school. We teach them to plant so they can plant at home. I have students who never had plants at home come tell me that their vegetables are growing and their trees are fruiting. We teach students how to compost in school using food waste from the canteen. They then go home and tell their parents not to throw away the family’s food waste because they want to make compost. I can see the positive effects on our students. It may be small but I can see the impact in how they are trying to influence their families.” — Law Yee Chen, SMK Convent Pulau Tikus, Penang

“We have set up recycling corners in each classroom. We also have a huge banner showing pupils how to segregate their waste. Each class appoints an Eco Monitor to remind their friends to practise green habits like recycling. These are some of the things we do to form a ‘caring for the environment’ culture. Only when it becomes a culture will the concept of environmental sustainability work. Universiti Tenaga Nasional has sponsored an automated watering system for the school which our pupils refer to to come up with their own solar automation watering system for their Design and Technology lesson. This is project-based learning. There is also the aquaponics learning hub that uses microorganisms to filter the water. We show the pupils the system so they can learn about it. Their interest is piqued by these kinds of sustainable practices.” — Khou Jerome, SJKC Union, Penang

“In SJKC Pulau Betong, we foster creativity and innovation which multiply our sustainability efforts. All our students are ambassadors for sustainability. Recycling and sustainability are second nature to us. We have recycling corners in all the classrooms. My students are involved in many community campaigns. We must inculcate these values in our young through education. I help my students learn how to reduce their carbon footprints, make responsible decisions, and create a ripple effect on their families and friends. As a teacher, I hope that every child serves as an agent of change in leading others on this important mission to green our planet. I hope that my students practise sustainability in their daily lives. The many little things we do daily make a difference to our environment.” — Ong Soon Yeong, SJKC Pulau Betong, Penang