The sustainability programme, Eco-Schools Perak, is a key element in the successful launch of Eco-schools Perak: Sustainable Education Cikgu Saarani @ Perak Sejahtera 2030, which took place at the Royal Perak Golf Club (RPGC) yesterday.
Eco-Schools Perak, a project-based sustainability programme, is an initiative of Menteri Besar Incorporated (Perak), coordinated by the Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) in collaboration with the Perak State Education Department.
A total of 50 schools were selected to participate in Eco-Schools in 2021, involving National Schools, Chinese National Schools (SJKC), Orang Asli Schools and Secondary Schools with a target of achieving 100 Eco-schools by 2025.
Chief Executive Officer of Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc.), Mr. Anuar Zainal Abidin Said, MB Inc. has allocated as much as RM 1.2 million for the purpose of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the field of Education and Environment through the international sustainability programme, “Eco-Schools”.
According to him, the Eco-Schools programme will produce ambassadors of sustainability who are able to facilitate solutions on environmental issues in the community as well as global issues.
“Eco-Schools can also have a positive impact on the state government by producing “green ambassadors” who will share environmental messages in addition to instilling a sense of responsibility in the community to live sustainably,” he said in a statement at the Perak Eco-Schools Launch.
“The implementation of the Eco-Schools programme is in line with his Majesty, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah’s vision to see people from all walks of life collectively bearing the responsibility of “greening” the state. It is also parallel with the efforts of the State Government and Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Saarani Mohamad on environmental sustainability via the state government’s Bumi Lestari Campaign,” he emphasised
The Eco Schools programme was launched in 1994 by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE) in several European countries as a response to the needs discussed in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Today, the Eco-Schools programme is the largest sustainable school programme in the world with the involvement of over 59,000 schools, 20 million students and 1.4 million teachers from 74 countries.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of GGAF, Dr Mahadi Mohamad said, as the National Operator of the Eco-Schools programme, GGAF is happy with the launch of Eco-Schools in Perak.
“An understanding of the life cycle and capabilities should be emphasised in our education system across all disciplines. The world’s population has used many of the planet’s resources in an unsustainable way. Therefore, we are committed to empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to live a sustainable lifestyle,” he urged.
Congratulations to nine schools for successfully exhibiting green practices in the state of Perak and obtaining the International Green Flag Award 2022 through the Eco-Schools programme. The nine schools are:
- a) SMK Dato Abdul Rahman Yaakub (Central Perak)
b) SMK Raja Perempuan Kelsom (Kuala Kangsar)
c) SMK Raja Perempuan Ipoh (North Kinta)
d) SMK Changkat Beruas (Manjung)
e) SMK Kampung Dato Seri Kamarudin (Manjung)
f) SK Sultan Abdullah (Late Ripe & Long Term)
g) SK Kuak Luar (Hulu Perak)
h) SJKC Bukit Merah (North Kinta)
i) SJKC Siputeh (Kinta Selatan)
Also, in tandem with the announcement today were the recognition of three Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) 2022 winners, who were also proudly announced:
- a) The Biggest Virtual Run event involving 97,000 school students, organised by MB Inc., GGAF and JPN
- b) The Largest Simultaneous Probiotic Drink Event involving 10,000 students in a collaboration with Yakult Malaysia and the Perak State Health Department.
- c) Simultaneous Salad Eating Event involving 10,000 students in collaboration with the Perak State Agricultural Marketing Board (FAMA)
In the meantime, industry partners of MB Inc. namely Rahman Hydraulic Tin Sdn Bhd, Klay Minerals Sdn. Bhd, and Jin Sand Global Sdn. Bhd also presented a mock cheque for the contribution of Perak State Education Development Programmes with an accumulated amount of RM1.5 million.
Description of various programmes in the launch of Perak Eco-Schools: Sustainable Education Cikgu Saarani @ Perak Sejahtera 2030 includes the development of sustainable education in a holistic manner that is able to form a sustainable community in the future.
The success stories of the Eco-Schools Programme without a doubt, will spark a nationwide debate on the importance of environmental education curriculum, transforming our national education system forever.
Anne Das
