Salcon Berhad-WWP River Awareness & Education Programme
6th October 2012
Venue: Lembah Kiara Recreation Park
Time: 8.30am-12.30pm
The ‘River and Water Education Awareness Program’ in Kuala Lumpur on the 6th of October 2012. Organized by Salcon Berhad as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in collaboration with Water Watch Penang (WWP) and Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP), a total of 30 pupils accompanied by 3 teachers from SK Bandar Utama Damansara 2 took part in this Salcon Berhad sponsored programme which was held at the “Lembah Kiara Recreation Park”, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. This time the programme was also participate by undergraduate students for the Monash University, Sunway Campus accompanied by Associate Professor Catherine Yule, Deputy Head of School of Science .
The programme was conducted by 4 experienced facilitators from Water Watch Penang (WWP). The main objective of the river water awareness programme is to educate the students as well as increase their understanding on the importance of river systems, the reckless human behaviour that could contribute to unhealthy water quality as well as awareness on current water issues in Malaysia.
WWP facilitators demonstrated on physical water samplings and biological testing to the students of SK Bandar Utama Damansara 2 and Monash University. Physical water sampling includes the testing of river flow and velocity, pH (acidity/alkalinity), dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. On the biological section which is the most interesting section, the students were taught on how to capture aquatic life and identify them according to a chart which indicates the level of cleanliness of the river in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Next, the students were taught by about the general importance of river and its ecology as well as its importance as source for drinking water. International and national water issues were also mentioned to the students to raise their awareness especially in river pollution, water disasters such as drought and flooding.
After the morning refreshment interval, the students were treated to button-badge making session. They were required to colour on the design given for the badge and then the facilitators completed the button-badge by using a button-badge tool. Before the final wrap-up, the students were taught on ways and steps to save water in their daily activities. It is hoped that the students as well as the teachers will gain some insight and awareness on the importance of river and water conservation for the future generations as well as the current generations.
The venue chosen for this activity was very suitable as it is a public park whereby passer-by could also participate passively by listening and inquiring on the activities conducted. In this way not only the students were able to learn about the importance of river and water but also the general public.