On June 21, 2023, a successful water/STEM education program was conducted at SMK St. Xavier (St. Xavier’s Institution). This collaborative initiative involved Water Watch Penang, the American Chemical Society USM Student Chapter (ACS USM), PBAPP, Intel Corporation, and CLEAN International.
The program comprised two sessions. First, Water Watch Penang delivered an awareness talk, followed by a hands-on learning session on water pollution and water treatment processes led by ACS USM.
During the awareness talk, Dr. Hong Chern Wern of Water Watch Penang provided an introduction to WWP’s history, goals, and previous activities. He discussed global, national, and local water crises, shared water facts, presented water conservation strategies, and addressed various water-related issues. Dr. Hong also reintroduced the “negalitres for schools” program to the students, as they are actively participating in water-saving initiatives.
Dr. Hong further elaborated on the proper utilization of automatic push taps, which had been installed in various locations throughout the school premises. He emphasized their role in reducing water wastage. The students were also introduced to different water-saving technologies and equipment, including slow-flow inserts for taps, ‘Washers’ provided by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), rainwater harvesting systems, and dual flush toilets. Additionally, Dr. Hong educated the students on methods to conserve water both at school and at home, emphasizing the significance of responsible water usage for environmental conservation.
In the hands-on session, students had the opportunity to explore six different booths, including ‘Activated Carbon from Nature,’ ‘Simulation of Water Treatment Plant,’ ‘Heavy Metal Pollution,’ ‘Basic Water Quality Parameters,’ ‘Simple Water Filter Purifier,’ and ‘Construction of Brackish Wetland Model.’ These activities aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of water pollution and water treatment processes through small-scale models and water treatment sets.
The organizers of this program would like to express their gratitude to the Principal, Mr. Goh Hong Peng, and Mr. The Chin Joo, Penolong Kanan Ko-Kurikulum, for their approval and assistance in arranging the program.
Note: ‘Negalitres for Schools’, launched on 22 March 2022, was coordinated by WWP, in partnership with Intel Corporation, CLEAN International and in collaboration with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and PBAPP. This project is fully funded by CLEAN International Inc. and Intel Corporation as well as supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water and Penang State Education Department. The local partners involved are Penang State Government via Penang Green Council, PBAPP and Green Educators Workgroup (GREW).
For more information, please get in touch with WWP Executive Manager, Dr Hong Chern Wern, at hong.wwp@gmail.com or contact WWP at +60 19-575 1253.
