On April 17, 2024, Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully organized the ‘Negalitres for School’ River and Water Education Programme at SJKC Li Hwa. The event involved 500 students from Standards 4 to 6 along with 15 teachers, and ran from 1.20 pm to 2.20 pm. Mr. Hanson Yeoh, the WWP Programme Officer, led the session, supported by WWP interns Mr. Dane Lim Chiu Tong, Ms. Fatin Azahara, and Ms. Nur Atiqah. The session commenced with a thorough overview of WWP’s objectives and past endeavors.
Following this, students were introduced to the global water crisis, focusing on the challenges African nations encounter in accessing clean water. This was illustrated using the narrative from the storybook “The Water Princess.” Mr. Hanson Yeoh effectively conveyed the story’s message, leaving a lasting impression on the students regarding the importance of water resources.
The presentation proceeded to address national and local water challenges, emphasizing water scarcity as a pressing issue that necessitates community action. Penang’s firsthand experience as a state facing water scarcity underscored the urgency of addressing the problem, as it is a water-poor state and its water supply originates from Sungai Muda in Kedah.
Furthermore, the session emphasized a variety of water-saving techniques applicable to both the school and the students’ homes. Towards the end of the session, students utilized their water bills to calculate their daily water consumption. At the end of the presentation, quizzes were held, and those who answered correctly received gifts from Water Watch Penang.
Water Watch Penang expressed gratitude to SJKC Li Hwa for their cooperation and permission to conduct this educational session at their school. For additional information, please reach out to WWP’s Executive Manager, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, at hong.wwp@gmail.com, or contact WWP directly at +6019-5751253.
‘Negalitres for Schools,’ launched on March 22, 2022, was coordinated by WWP in partnership with Intel Corporation and CLEAN International, with collaboration from Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and PBAPP. This project is fully funded by CLEAN International Inc. and Intel Corporation and is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Penang State Education Department. Local partners include the Penang State Government through Penang Green Council, PBAPP, and the Green Educators Workgroup (GREW).