Aquatic Guardians: Clean Water, Bright Future

DURATION: Between May 2025 To August 2025

Introduction

This proposal outlines the organization of a three-day summer camp for two years for Penang secondary school students, aimed at promoting awareness and action towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Clean Water and Sanitation. The camp will be hosted by the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, and will provide students with hands-on learning experiences about water conservation, sanitation, and sustainable water management practices.

Objective and Aim

The key objectives of the summer camp are to:

  • Educate students about the importance of SDG 6 and the global water crisis.
  • Promote awareness of water conservation, sanitation, and sustainable use of water resources.
  • Empower students to take practical actions for water sustainability in their schools and communities.
  • Foster leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship among the participants.

Venue and Target Audience

  • Venue: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang.
  • Target Audience: 30 secondary school students (ages 13-17).
  • Duration: 3 days, including hands-on workshops, field trips, and action planning.

Content/Activity

Day 1: Introduction to Water and Sanitation Challenges

  • Morning Session
    • Introduction to SDG 6
    • Workshop 1: Understanding Water Resources
  • Afternoon Session
    • Water Quality Testing Activity
    • Workshop 2: Water Conservation Strategies
  • Evening Activity
    • Documentary Screening: “Flow: For Love of Water”

Day 2: Hands-On Sustainability and Field Learning

  • Morning Session
    • Field Trip to Water Treatment Plant
  • Afternoon Session
    • Workshop 3: Sanitation and Hygiene Awareness (WASH)
    • Hands-On Activity: Build a Water Filter
  • Evening Activity
    • Water Conservation Challenge

Day 3: Action and Community Engagement

  • Morning Session
    • River/Beach Clean-Up Activity
    • Workshop 4: Rainwater Harvesting and Recycling
  • Afternoon Session
    • Action Plan Development
  • Closing Ceremony
    • Group Presentations
    • Certificate and Awards Ceremony
  • Evening Celebration
    • Closing Event:

Output and Outcome

Immediate Outputs

  1. Enhanced Knowledge and Awareness of SDG 6
    • 50 students will gain a solid understanding of SDG 6, including the importance of clean water, sanitation, and water management.
    • Participants will learn about local and global water issues through interactive workshops and field visits.
  2. Water Quality Testing and Conservation Skills
    • Students will acquire practical skills in testing water quality, building water filters, and understanding sanitation challenges.
    • Participants will gain experience in water conservation techniques and greywater recycling through hands-on activities.
  3. Creation of Water Conservation Action Plans
    • Participants will develop actionable water conservation plans to be implemented in their schools or communities.
    • Groups will present action plans to peers, teachers, and local community leaders.
  4. Tangible Learning Materials and Resources
    • Students will leave with printed learning materials, such as posters and infographics, and resources from workshops to continue their water conservation efforts.
  5. Formation of Water Conservation Clubs
    • Students will be encouraged to establish “Water Conservation Clubs” in their schools to continue raising awareness and taking action on water- related issues.
  6. Distribution of Participation Certificates and Awards
    • Certificates will be awarded to all participants, and top-performing groups will receive prizes, boosting morale and recognition for their efforts.

Long-Term Outcomes

  1. Sustained Water Conservation Efforts in Schools and Communities
    • Through the action plans developed during the camp, students will initiate ongoing water conservation projects in their schools and local communities.
    • These projects may include water-saving campaigns, installation of rainwater harvesting systems, or participation in local river clean-up initiatives.
  2. Increased Awareness and Advocacy for Water Sustainability
    • Participants will serve as ambassadors for water conservation, spreading awareness of SDG 6 to their peers, families, and communities.
    • The camp will inspire a new generation of environmental advocates who prioritize clean water and sanitation issues in their daily lives and future careers.
  3. Enhanced Leadership and Environmental Stewardship
    • The leadership skills gained through teamwork, action planning, and community engagement activities will empower students to lead future sustainability initiatives.
    • Participants will continue to drive positive environmental change, demonstrating long-term commitment to achieving SDG 6 and other related SDGs.
  4. Increased Capacity for Water Management Solutions
    • Students will be equipped with practical knowledge and skills related to water quality testing, filtration, and rainwater harvesting, preparing them to contribute to larger water management efforts in their regions.
    • These technical skills could influence future educational and career choices in environmental sciences, engineering, and policy.
  5. Strengthened Partnerships Between Schools and Local Communities
    • The camp will foster collaboration between secondary schools, local government agencies, and environmental organizations, creating networks for future partnerships in water sustainability initiatives.
  6. Long-term Engagement with USM in Sustainability Education
    • The university will position itself as a leader in promoting SDG education by offering impactful outreach programs, potentially leading to further collaboration with schools and other institutions in future sustainability-focused projects.

Expected Partnerships:

a) PBAPP
b) Penang Green Council
c) Centre for Global Sustainability (CGSS)
d) Universiti Sains Malaysia
e) Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang
f) Universiti Sains Malaysia
g) Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
h) Reefcheck
i) Tanjung Aru Marine Ecosystem Center
j) Seagrass Guardian

Photos of Past Activities

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