Saving the environment

Today's youth have no choice but to be environmentally cautious because they know it is the future generations that will endure the consequences of the scarcity of natural resources and climate change. A contest can go a long way to keeping them motivated about preserving the environment.
This was evident in the accomplishments that were showcased at an award ceremony held by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in partnership with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) last week. The ceremony recognised over 30 schools for their efforts to raise awareness in their own and other schools in the UAE.

How did they do it?

Over the course of the academic year, students carefully planned how their schools would contribute to energy conservation.

From kindergarten to secondary school, students contributed to this initiative. While some schools improved their infrastructure through measures such as introducing automatic shut-off light systems, others focused on spreading awareness across the community.

The school that came in first in the secondary schools category, the Sukaina Bint Al Hussain School, organised a number of activities. To start with, students led an awareness campaign in collaboration with a television channel to raise funds for families unable to pay electricity and water bills. It included educating families on ways to reduce consumption, and, accordingly, costs.

"We worked so hard and it feels good to be rewarded for that. We visited schools, malls, gas stations and car wash spots, mosques and farms to raise awareness on water and electricity consumption," said Mouza Obaid Dhalam, a student from the school.

The Asma Bint No'man School, competing in the same category, achieved a 15 per cent target in reducing water consumption this year, according to figures provided by DEWA. Students organised an exhibition to spread awareness on issues related to the environment and prepared several educational presentations that were broadcast on television.

"Our exhibition mainly aimed to show school children the dangers of abusing resources. We came in second, which is very good compared to our performance last year," said Khowla Hamad, a student from the school.

Social responsibility

Third place winners, students from the Al Raya School proudly trooped on stage to collect their award and pause for photographs.

"We prepared many activities for children, including competitions and brochures that show the importance of electricity and water," said Mahbouba Al Ansari, a biology teacher who accompanied the students. "This is a prize for both administrations and students but it is the students that do everything at the end of the day," she said.

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA, shared the same point of view. "The programme starts with the organisers but is led by students. . . . Kids are socially responsible; we witnessed that today. Organisers start the initiative, but it takes on a life of its own," he told Notes.

While one student at Al Raya School, Sara Asad, helped complete a website, a film, calendars and brochures to spread awareness, her colleagues participated in awareness tours in schools all over Dubai.

Bashair Al Omari and Haya Al Ansari even participated in a conference on youth and the environment in Egypt last year. "We won second place for our ideas on saving the environment," Bashair said. "We discussed the problem of water consumption in the UAE, which is the highest among all Gulf countries," she added.

Youth lead by example

When parents fail to educate their children on the right ways to conserve energy, children can take on that role and copy what they do at school in their homes.

"What we teach our kids is important; we want to instil values of respect for the environment. We realised that engaging kids in such activities is very important," Dr Al Karam said.

"There are around 200,000 students in Dubai. Educating them about the role of the environment and sustainability means reaching 200,000 homes. We want them to take their knowledge home," he said.

The contest, in its third year now, will be modified next year in order to turn student accomplishments into concrete results, said Dr Al Karam. "How much they saved every year will be recorded. We will also upgrade their facilities if required. This issue should be in the curriculum, so maybe it could be incorporated in their science material," he added. He stressed the importance of introducing environmental education.

Saeed Al Tayer, DEWA managing director, discussed the positive role schools are playing in this regard. "The Dubai Government pursues sustainable development in line with the Dubai Strategy 2015, outlined by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai," he said.

The winners

Kindergarten:
- 1st place: Al Shorouq School
- 2nd place: Al Rabeeh School

Preliminary School:
- 1st: Jumeirah Model School
- 2nd: Salma Al Ansariyah School
- 3rd: Sultan Al Owais School

Intermediate Schools:
- 1st: Umm Suqueim School
- 2nd: Al Dhara Girls School
- 3rd: Al Razi School

Secondary Schools:
- 1st: Sukaina Bint Al Hussain School
- 2nd: Asma Bint No'man School
- 3rd: Al Raya School