Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme

The students of Our Own High School in Al Warqaa, Dubai, leave no stone unturned! Be it celebrating Earth Day, taking part in can-collection drives or saving water and electricity, they always join hands for any noble cause.

Our Own High School does not let go of a single opportunity to do its bit for the environment. Last month, Earth Day was celebrated with keen fervour. A whole week was dedicated to celebrating this day, with every segment doing something different to commemorate this year's theme of "Mobilise the Earth".

The young environmental stewards took upon themselves the task of sapling plantation. A myriad activities were conducted, which included a painting competition under the topic of "Living on Mother Earth".

Quiz and poster-making competitions were held for the primary section, while collage and painting contests were conducted for the juniors. The fifth and sixth grade students had a nutritionist who enlightened them about the benefits of organic food. It is worthwhile to note that not only students of Our Own High School, but even parents took part in the environmental drives.

Deva Bhelwin, a sixth grader, with the help of his parents, made a commendable collection of more than 10,000 cans. In March 2012, the Emirates Environment Group mentioned Our Own High School's name in their newsletter for collecting the most number of cans, 405.5 kilograms, to be precise.

Educating the children to save water and electricity is yet another way of sensitising them towards the environment. This is carried out by asking the children to see their Dewa or Sewa bills, with the energy and water consumption of two consecutive months clearly indicating the reduction in energy consumption.

— This reader is a parent of two students at Our Own High School in grade 12 and grade 7

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