On November 8th, 2023, Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully conducted the “Negalitres for Schools” River and Water Education Program at SK Teluk Kumbar. More than 300 students (ranging from Standard 4 to Standard 6) and 10 teachers, including Teacher Coordinator Cikgu Nishan Baharum (Shawn), attended this program from 11:30 am to 1:20 pm.
Water Watch Penang (WWP) Executive Manager Dr. Hong Chern Wern, with assistance from CGSS USM intern Durgadewi Thurairaj, initiated the program by outlining the organization’s goals, background, and accomplishments. The students were then briefed about the global water situation, with a focus on the challenges African countries face in obtaining clean water. The discussion then shifted to local and national water challenges, with particular emphasis on Penang. To pique the students’ interest further, Dr. Hong Chern Wern asked if Penang had an abundance of access to raw fresh water. Initially, the students believed that Penang had abundant water resources. However, when Dr. Hong Chern Wern disclosed that the Muda River in Kedah that flows into Penang, provides a substantial 80% of Penang’s water, their astonishment became apparent.
Quizzes were administered during the lesson, and students who answered correctly received books from Water Watch Penang as tokens of appreciation. Dr. Hong Chern Wern also highlighted some water-saving techniques that can be used in the classroom and at home to help children better understand water conservation. One of the techniques discussed is the installation of an automated push tap in the school as part of the “Negalitres for Schools Programme.” This tap automatically closes a few seconds after use, helping to reduce water wastage.
At the end of the program, Dr. Hong also showed PBAPP’s Water Saving Video to the students as part of the program’s requirements.
Water Watch Penang is grateful to SK Teluk Kumbar for their cooperation and permission to host this informative lecture at their school.
For further information, please contact WWP directly at +6019-5751253 or by email at hong.wwp@gmail.com to obtain more information from Dr. Hong Chern Wern, the Executive Manager of the organization.
‘Negalitres for Schools,’ launched on March 22, 2022, was coordinated by WWP in partnership with Intel Corporation and CLEAN International, with collaboration from Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and PBAPP. This project is fully funded by CLEAN International Inc. and Intel Corporation and is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Penang State Education Department. Local partners include the Penang State Government through Penang Green Council, PBAPP, and the Green Educators Workgroup (GREW).