5 JULY 2023 – Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully conducted the ‘Negalitres for Schools’ River and Water Education Programme for students from SK Jalan Hamilton Penang on 5th July 2023.
A total of 47 students ranging from standard four to standard six and 4 teachers participated in the programme from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Clean International, which is one of the programme’s partners and funder, was also present for the talk, all the way from California, USA. The President, Ms Heather Baker, Co-Founder Mr Wally Baker and their two children (cum volunteer) Ms Alivia Baker and Mr Brody Baker came to participate in the talk and to interview the students.
The programme commenced with a welcoming speech from Ms Heather Baker, followed by a speech from WWP Chairman Prof Dr Chan Ngai Weng in which he explained the importance of saving water. WWP Executive Manager Dr Hong Chern Wern continued the programme by introducing WWP’s history, goals, and past activities. He also presented on the global, national, and local water crisis, water facts, water conservation strategies, and other water-related issues.
Furthermore, Dr Hong explained the proper way to use an automatic push tap and its purpose in reducing water wastage. The students were also introduced to other types of water-saving technologies and equipment such as rainwater harvesting systems, dual flush toilets and slow-flow inserts for taps, ‘Washers’ by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). The volunteers gave out some ‘Washers’ by PBAPP to the students and teachers while Dr Hong explained the way to install them.
Besides, Dr Hong taught the students various ways to save water at school and home while highlighting the importance of using water wisely for environmental preservation. The students also had the opportunity to learn about river water quality monitoring using physical, chemical and biological assessments.
Moreover, the programme also included an activity where the students learned how to read the water bill. The teachers had prepared some water bill samples for the students so that they can attempt to calculate the daily water consumption per person per day. The students also participated in a quiz session where the lucky winners received water bottles and colouring books.
In addition, the programme ended with a short speech from Ms Heather Baker, Mr Wally Baker, Ms Alivia Baker, Mr Brody Baker, Prof Dr Chan and Dr Hong.
‘Negalitres for Schools’, launched on 22 March 2022, was coordinated by WWP, in partnership with Intel Corporation, CLEAN International and in collaboration with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and PBAPP. This project is fully funded by CLEAN International Inc. and Intel Corporation as well as supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water and Penang State Education Department. The local partners involved are Penang State Government via Penang Green Council, PBAPP and Green Educators Workgroup (GREW).
For more information, please get in touch with WWP Executive Manager, Dr Hong Chern Wern, at hong.wwp@gmail.com or contact WWP at +60 19-575 1253.
