800 primary school students pledge to change lifestyle to save Earth

By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia
14 November 2007

SINGAPORE : Over 800 primary school children have pledged their commitment to save the planet by making one lifestyle change.

With Singapore in the running to host the Youth Olympic Games, the children also pledged their support for the bid which features a green Games Village.

The students attended the National Primary Young Leaders Day organised by Halogen Foundation on Wednesday to hear what adults had to say about caring for Mother Earth.

The Halogen Foundation, which organises leadership courses for youths, believes it is never too early to start being an eco-warrior.

"If we destroy Earth, then we will also not live. We will die together with Earth, so I think we should nip the problem in the bud," said Rohan Dev, a Primary 5 student at Zhenghua Primary School.
"I have an ambition and it is to dance. So I'm going to roam the Earth while learning dancing, (and) spread the message to all the people... to ask them to save the Earth, to recycle, reuse and reduce," said Janice Low, a Primary 5 student at Marsiling Primary School.

In support of MediaCorp's Project Gaia, Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim pledged to change to a hybrid car, while MediaCorp celebrities shared how to lead by example.

"I think because TV actors, news readers and radio personalities are all well-known to the young children, what they say can have a very inspiring and inspirational effect on children," said Shaun Seow, MediaCorp's Deputy CEO (News, Radio, Print).

MediaCorp said it will continue to partner the Halogen Foundation for the next two years to help spread the green message to young Singaporeans through its Project Gaia. - CNA /ls