Primary schools in central Singapore to learn how to make country greener

Topics that students will learn include resource conservation, dengue prevention and climate change.
Abhishek Ravikrishnan Channel NewsAsia 18 Oct 15;

SINGAPORE: Students from 47 primary schools in the Republic can now learn more about how they can make the country cleaner and greener.

This is part of the "I'M AN ECO-KNIGHT!" programme, which encourages students to care about the environment. The programme was introduced to preschools last year.

Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim launched the programme on Sunday (Oct 18) at Bugis+ shopping mall, along with Central Singapore District Mayor Denise Phua and National Environmental Agency CEO Ronnie Tay.

Topics that students will learn include resource conservation, dengue prevention and climate change.

"I think only when habits are cultivated when they are young that they can stick,” said Ms Phua. “This is really important for the population, especially the younger ones, to take ownership, to make sure that our clean, green and sustainable Singapore is a vision that can be realised.

“And very importantly, the adults around them - the siblings, the parents, the caregivers - it's very important for them also to strongly support our youngsters so they really can apply this not just in school, but beyond the school walls, in the families, in the communities as well.”

The programme was launched as part of the Central Clean and Green SG 50 carnival. More than 30 interactive workshops were held, touching on topics ranging from dengue prevention to using technology to address climate change.

Clean and Green Singapore awards were also handed out to grassroots organisations and cleaners from the central district for their efforts in the areas of public cleanliness, energy efficiency and resource conservation.

- CNA/ek