Youth key to raising conservation awareness

YOUTHS have been touted as a vital chemistry to society and the community as they are the gateway to change in family mindset, especially in bringing about awareness for conserving natural resources.

This was highlighted during the Dillenia's Water Awareness Project (WAP) at the Pintu Malim Primary School by Project Organiser Kong Wei Li.

The 2010 Southeast Asian Youth Leadership Programme Alumni (SEAYLP) and President of Dillenia said that the project heavily involved the participation of primary students.

"Young children are the gateway to change in family mindset. Therefore Dillenia's WAP includes hands on experience on water testing and informing our audience that clean water is important in daily life. Through this, the pupils can share their knowledge on the findings," the Form Six student said adding that 15 students were chosen from the host school.

More than 200 people comprising parents, teachers and students gathered yesterday at Pintu Malim Primary School to celebrate the achievements of the Dillenia's Water Awareness Project.

Attending the event as guest of honour was Daniel L Shields, the Ambassador of the United States of America (US) to Brunei, who also presented a donation of 21 books containing teaching resources and books on US history for primary students.

In his speech, the US Ambassador, who was on his first visit to a government school, commended participants and organisers on the project citing the unique name chosen for the project.

"Naming it Dillenia or bunga simpur is appropriate because apart from its beauty, it also plays an important role in ecology," he said.

"In sandy soils, the tree paves ways for other plants to take root, while inland the simpur is a sign of underground supplies of fresh water."

"The importance of maintaining natural resources and spreading awareness goes a long way because we live in crucial times" he said while lauding on other initiatives such as recycling, cleaning beaches and the plastic free weekends.

"I have been deeply moved by your efforts and hope that the hard work will not stop. My wish is that each one of you will continue to dedicate yourselves to protecting natural resources, face challenges and advance for peace and mutual understanding," he said.

After a short stage presentation by the participants, the US Ambassador then presented prizes and certificates to winners, participants of the Slogan and Logo Competition and to the working committee.

The Dillenia's WAP was jointly funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the US Embassy. The programme consists of a Slogan and Logo competition, Brunei river water quality sampling and Education Awareness Programme.

The Brunei Times