UAE | Environment
Gulf News environment campaign inspires pupils to launch working group
Eleven-year-old Mansour Abdullah plans to save the world. So does nine-year-old Humaid Matawi. They are both part of the 'Anti-litter Working Group' at the Rashid School for Boys located in Jebel Ali.
- By Huda Tabrez, Community Journalist
- Published: 00:06 June 15, 2008
- Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
- A student explains recycling concepts during the campaign at the Rashid Boys School in Dubai.
Dubai: Eleven-year-old Mansour Abdullah plans to save the world. So does nine-year-old Humaid Matawi. They are both part of the 'Anti-litter Working Group' at the Rashid School for Boys located in Jebel Ali.
It all started when Gulf News published a report and pictures of camels that died after having consumed plastic bags.
"The boys were really affected by the pictures. We decided to do something to save the camels and the environment," said Sarah Ellingham, a teacher.
The school decided to organise a special assembly to raise awareness among students on the environmental impact of littering.
At the assembly, 300 pupils from the primary school were introduced to the "litter bug" inside them - a bug who was not "a bad friend", but was just too lazy to throw his litter in the bin.
Through this fictitious character they learned the basics of eco-friendly habits and keeping the environment clean. After the assembly, 12 enthusiastic boys came forward to form the Anti-litter Working Group by making posters to raise awareness on the issue.
Nine-year-old Mohammad Karani, the recycling champion, puts his concerns in simple words. "People litter everywhere because of which animals die. I was very sad to see the pictures of dead camels."
Desert clean-up
The group has consequently gone on a clean-up trip to the desert.
The school hopes to encourage the already motivated pupils and reduce the consumption of plastic. They also came up with creative ideas to "reduce, reuse and recycle".
The children are now hoping that more students will join their group. Hopefully, their little efforts will ultimately make a big difference.
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