DURATION: March-June 2025, July-August 2025
Introduction:
This proposal seeks to empower and educate young Penangites, providing them with a thorough understanding of the critical role water quality monitoring plays in preserving the environment. By increasing awareness and appreciation for clean water, this initiative aims to inculcate a sense of accountability among Penangites toward maintaining high water quality standards. Participants will gain practical experience through specially designed water monitoring kits, enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in assessing water quality in real environment. Moreover, this experience will equip them with the confidence and ability to empower others on related water quality issues, fostering a ripple effect of awareness within their communities. This approach aligns closely with the vision of the Penang state government, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices that ensure the availability of clean water for future generations. Through this proposal, Penangites will be inspired to value and actively contribute to the protection and preservation of their water resources.
Objectives/Aims:
The objective of this project is to train younger generation to develop water quality analysis kits and conduct workshops for educational purposes, aiming to (i) expose participants and students (primary/secondary) to water quality monitoring, (ii) improve public knowledge and perceptions of existing water quality parameters, and (iii) enhance participants’ awareness of the importance of vigilance and maintaining water quality standards. This project aligns with SDGs 4, 6 and 17.
Contents:
In this proposal, selected participants will undergo comprehensive training to understand the water quality monitoring and assemble water quality analysis kits for measuring key water quality parameters. These parameters will include essential indicators such as pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, selected heavy metals, and phosphorus. Each tool will be carefully acquired, and a detailed instructional guide will be developed to support proper use and understanding.
Once the water quality monitoring kits are assembled, participants will receive further training to effectively guide students (primary and secondary school students) in conducting water quality assessments. Following this, they will lead a workshop to educate students on environmental awareness and practical skills related to water quality monitoring.
In addition, the curated content on water quality parameters will be shared with Water Watch Penang to ensure broader community outreach. Both participants and students will be involved in monitoring water quality in selected water bodies around Penang, with the results subsequently shared to foster public engagement and awareness on local water quality issues.
The flow chart of the proposal (with timeline) is given as follows:
Output/Outcome:
Immediate Outputs:
Participants and students will acquire deeper understanding and hands-on experience in water quality monitoring. The immediate outcome of this proposal is the enhanced understanding and practical skills of participants in conducting water quality assessments. This experience will foster a deeper appreciation for the importance of water quality monitoring and emphasize the necessity of regularly assessing water parameters to prevent pollution. We anticipate that there will be 20 participants and approximately 80 students involved in the program.
Long Term Outcomes:
In the long run, participants are expected to serve as leaders and empower the community to preserve water. This sharing will have a positive impact on perception and knowledge of water quality monitoring, improving he public awareness on the need to take care of our rivers and decrease irresponsible pollution (such as discarding oil and grease into the sink).
Expected Partnerships:
a) PBAPP
b) Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang
c) Universiti Sains Malaysia