Uniting for a green cause

The students of Our Own English High School, Dubai, participated in the 10th edition of the ‘Clean-up UAE' campaign organised by the Emirates Environmental Group on December 12, 2011.

Held at the school's premises, a total of 5,220 pupils united for a cause and actively participated in the event, which was aimed at raising general awareness and encouraging students to do their bit towards environmental protection.

The programme, ‘Future Generation needs today's preparation', aptly challenged students, encouraged them to be more concerned about the environment and instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards protecting the Earth.

The event, held as part of the UAE's 40th National Day celebrations, promoted a sustainable lifestyle and ways in which we can give back to our society.

The pupils were provided with caps, T-shirts, gloves, garbage bags and refreshments as part of the event. There was a feeling of excitement and energy among the students and it was an enriching experience for them.

The participants were also awarded with certificates for their participation.

The event served as a model and inspiration for the students. In appreciation of the school's efforts towards protecting the environment, the EEG has provided the school with a recycling centre, which aims to encourage the students and the community to undertake proper waste management. As Jacques Barzun, the American historian, once said: "If civilisation has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper Age." 

— The reader is a student of Our Own English High School in Dubai.