One less DRIP

2009/11/07

SHARIFAH ARFAH

Secondary school students learn about the importance of conservation by participating in the Toyota Eco Youth 2009 Programme, writes SHARIFAH ARFAH

AT first it seemed like a simple question with an easy answer: “How can we conserve more water?” “Just use less of it” is the likeliest answer, but it’s easier said than done.

Keen to find the solution, students of SMK Dato’ Onn, Butterworth in Penang, who participated in the Toyota Eco Youth 2009 (TEY) Programme, analysed the causes of water wastage in their school and reduced the amount used. They emerged as this year’s winners, receiving RM5,000 for their project entitled Water Conservation using Principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Second prize went to SM Bandar Putra, Kulai (Johor), which won RM4,000, while third prize winner SMK (Agama) Bandar Muadzam Shah (Pahang) took home RM3,000. SMK Dato’ Onn project leader Muhd Azha Muhd Desa attributed the school’s success to teamwork, help from teachers and corporate donations. The team, which comprises Muhd Azha, two teacher-advisers and eight other students, raised RM40,000 through donation drives in order to realise the project.

“We obtained information from the Internet and engaged with state water departments to set up the water collection systems in our school,” said Muhd Azha. The school managed to save nearly 40 per cent of water, which is double the team’s target of 20 per cent. “We learned more than just the concept and the importance of saving water. The project taught us about leadership, problem-solving and communication,” said team member Proshini Nadesan.

Much of the credit goes to teacher-adviser Ramlah Abdul Samad. The win was unexpected and a bonus for Ramlah as she had only taught at the school for two years.

“We learned new things along the way, such as a leaking faucet can drip 10 litres of water a day,” said Ramlah. Toyota’s Environment Safety and Health Unit conducted the on-site evaluation which carries 40 per cent of the total score. The TEY Programme, conceived by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd in 2001, is a joint effort by the company and the Education Ministry to raise environmental awareness and encourage respect for it among youth in secondary schools. A major component of UMW Toyota Motor’s corporate social responsibility programme, the fundamentals of TEY are to educate youth on the importance of conservation and acting responsibly towards the environment. Sixteen specially selected secondary schools across Malaysia — one from each state in the country (including the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan) participated in a basic workshop and training programme on problem-solving methodology. The methodology is a seven-step formula, and works as a basis for identifying issues and developing strategies. To date, 136 schools involving 912 students have benefited from the programme.

SMK Dato’ Onn, Butterworth teachers and students rejoice after bagging the first prize in the TEY programme.