Introduction:
Water is synonymous with life and is an essential resource for all living beings. It sustains our ecosystems, nourishes our plants, and provides a vital source of health and well-being for communities. In Aqua Georgetown, the vibrant town known for its sparkling rivers and beautiful ponds, water is not just a resource; it is the essence of its identity. Yet, despite its abundance, the town faces significant challenges in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of its water supply. As a water-scarce region, Penang’s limited raw water resources underscore the urgent need for conservation and responsible management.
Penangites are among the highest consumers of water in Malaysia, but this overconsumption, coupled with low domestic water tariffs and a reliable daily supply, often leads to a lack of awareness about the critical importance of water conservation.
Unfortunately, this results in the careless disposal of waste into water bodies and the
usage of harmful chemicals, endangering both the environment and human health.
To address this pressing issue, we propose the creation of a storytelling book designed for children titled “Save Our Splash in the Beauty City of Aqua Georgetown: Adventures in Water Safety and Sanitation”. Through engaging narratives and colourful illustrations, this book aims to instil a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards water conservation among the younger generation.
The story follows four best friends—Lily, Ali, Nurul, and Sam—who are passionate “Water Heroes” on a quest to protect their town’s water. As they discover the causes of water pollution and embark on initiatives to restore their beloved rivers, children will learn about the importance of clean water, the impact of pollution, and practical conservation techniques. This educational module will not only entertain but also educate children about freshwater sources, the significance of sanitation, and the crucial role that each of us plays in safeguarding our water resources. By implementing fun and interactive activities, we strive to cultivate a sense of community among children and encourage them to be proactive advocates for water safety.
Distribution of the book will coincide with water awareness workshops, ensuring that each participant receives a copy. Our goal is to empower children with knowledge that transcends the pages, fostering a generation committed to protecting Aqua Georgetown’s water and promoting sustainable habits. As we embark on this project, we believe that by nurturing a culturally rich and environmentally aware community, we can inspire meaningful change. The journey to save our splash in Aqua Georgetown begins with the children—the future guardians of our water.
Aims and Objectives:
The primary aim of this proposal is to raise water awareness among children in Penang, fostering a generation committed to water conservation through the creation of an engaging storytelling book titled “Save Our Splash in the Beauty City of Aqua Georgetown: Adventures in Water Safety and Sanitation”. This initiative aimed to cultivate a culture of responsibility and proactive behavior in preserving our valuable
water resources.
Activities:
The objective of this program is to create an engaging activity book focusing on water awareness, filled with fun and educational activities for children aged 4 to 8 years old. This activity book will be distributed to 8 kindergartens in Penang, and all activities will be conducted on-site to ensure direct participation and interaction. At the conclusion of each session, surveys will be administered to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the program.
On-site programme
The Water Awareness Activity Book will be developed in collaboration with Fargoes Publishing Sdn Bhd and with acknowledgments to PBAPP. A total of 1,500 copies will be printed and distributed across 8 kindergartens in Penang. The book will include four parts covering essential water-related topics through a variety of engaging activities.
- Circulation of the activity books to 8 kindergartens
- Distribute 1,500 copies of the Activity Book created by our team.
- Topics covered include:
- Water resources
- The importance of water in daily life
- Water pollution
- Water conservation
- Raise awareness of water-saving techniques among young children.
- Activities
- A total of 16 interactive activities are included in the book, such as:
- Colour the Wave: Children will colour illustrations representing waves and water scenes, enhancing creativity while learning about water.
- Word Search: A fun word search puzzle containing vocabulary related to water safety and conservation.
- Origami Pirate Ship: Guided instructions to create a simple pirate ship out of paper, incorporating a fun story about saving treasure, which represents saving water.
- Search Objects: A scavenger hunt activity where children look for specific water-related objects within the kindergarten premises.
- Educational Activities: These would include simple experiments demonstrating the properties of water, such as floating and sinking, and the concept of clean vs. polluted water.
- Example
- A total of 16 interactive activities are included in the book, such as:
- Mini contest
- Save Water Colouring Contest: Children will be invited to participate in a colouring contest promoting water conservation themes.
- Artwork will be posted on social media platforms (Facebook), where participants can tag WWP and PBAPP.
- Winners will be chosen based on the number of likes received from the community.
- Save Water Colouring Contest: Children will be invited to participate in a colouring contest promoting water conservation themes.
Outputs/Outcome:
- Immediate Outputs:
- Circulation of 1,000 – 1,500 copies of the activity book to young children in Penang.
- Increased awareness among young children regarding the value of water and the importance of water conservation.
- At least 1,000 children (from 8 kindergartens) educated through hands-on activities and the activity book.
- Promotion of water-saving tips to both the children and their families via contests and educational content.
- Long Term Outcomes:
- Enhanced awareness among children and parents about the value of water, leading to the adoption and sharing of water-saving practices at home.
- The activity book will be cherished and utilised by the children, serving as a continual resource for learning and promoting water conservation beyond the initial program.
- Establishment of a foundation for ongoing education and advocacy around water safety and sanitation in the community, ensuring a lasting impact on future generations.