TRASHPEDIA OUTREACH WITH ZERO WASTE MALAYSIA.
14th Oct, 2023, Eugene Lee
Introduction
On the 14th of October, 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with Zero Waste Malaysia for their Trashpedia Outreach, an event dedicated to addressing the growing concern of single-use plastics in our environment. What made this event truly exceptional was the active involvement of our enthusiastic students, who, instead of merely participating and observing, took on the role of teachers. As we reflect on the event, it’s clear that teaching someone else is indeed one of the best ways to learn, and the impact it had on our students and the community was nothing short of magical.
Getting ready
Before the event start, our students had the privilege of being briefed by Ms. Sue Yee, the co-founder of Zero Waste Malaysia. She shared her extensive knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability, focusing on the urgent issue of single-use plastics and responsible waste management. Her presentation was more than just information; it inspired our students to take action and be part of the solution.
Proud of Our Young Explorers
Our students were like the lovable character Russell from the movie UP, holding onto the balloons of knowledge and eager to share it with others. Their task was to educate event participants on the proper way to sort recyclables. While this might seem like a simple task, the profound transformation that occurred as our students taught was truly remarkable. By teaching adults about the importance of recycling, our students had to dive deep into the subject matter. They had to organize their thoughts and present the information in a clear and understandable manner.
This process engaged them in a way that traditional learning rarely does, and their understanding of recycling deepened significantly. But the impact didn’t stop at knowledge; it extended to personal growth as well. Our students found their confidence and communication skills blossoming. They realized the potential they held to make a positive impact by sharing their knowledge, and they were not afraid to approach and assist everyone who visited their station.
A Surprise Visitor
We also had a surprise guest attendance from Mr Eero Oinonen, Political Officer, Junior Professional in Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, as part of EU’s Green Diplomacy Week (European Union in ASEAN) which supported this programme. During his visit, our students had the privilege of guiding and sharing their insights with Mr. Oinonen.