SANYO and EEG commemorate World Environment Day 2008

The campaign aimed at promoting environmental awareness among the student community had generated an overwhelming response from schools across the UAE.

The awarding ceremony was graced by the presence of Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of EEG, and high-ranking representatives from SANYO.

Several important government officials and dignitaries were also present. The event was also attended by a large number of companies as well as students along with their parents and school representatives.

This is the third consecutive year that SANYO and EEG have successfully organized the environmental campaign, which saw students from schools across the UAE collect dry battery cells for disposal in an ecologically safe manner.

Whilst a combined 906 kg worth of battery cells were collected in the first two years of the campaign, this year's collection has so far tallied 328 kg, with the 'Dubai National School-Barsha' and 'The Westminster School Dubai' topping the collection with 71 kg worth of battery cells each.

Both schools were awarded a SANYO PDG-DSU20 projector each. Winners of the second and third positions, 'Dubai Gem Private School' and 'French School - Lycee George Pompidou', were presented with a SANYO VPC-S760 digital camera and SANYO VPC-S70 digital camera respectively.

"This environmental campaign was initiated by SANYO as part of our efforts to build awareness about eco-friendly products and practices among the student community, and we are delighted at the overwhelming response the program elicited from schools across the UAE,"

said Tetsuji Okui, Managing Director, SANYO Gulf FZE.

"As a socially responsible business organization whose actions are underpinned by a strong environmental consciousness, SANYO remains committed to developing eco-friendly products and technologies and contributing towards a healthier environment. We will continue to support worthy causes that seek to advance environment awareness and protection,"

Okui added.

Other schools that participated in the campaign include Dubai Modern High School, Al-Aqsa Boys School, Cambridge High School, Dubai English Speaking School, Emirates Academy, HH Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistani School, Pakistan Education Academy, The Indian High School and Deira International School.

Commenting on the campaign, Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of EEG, said:

"It is heartening to see the enthusiasm with which students from across the country have taken to this noble venture. The students of today are the citizens of tomorrow, and while it is vital that they excel in academics, it is just as important to instill in them positive social and environmental values that would help them grow into responsible citizens."

"Targeted campaigns such as these could go a long way in educating students about the need to protect the environment and develop a concern for the world we live in. We commend SANYO for their steadfast support to environmental causes over the years, and look forward to further strengthening our association with them," Al Marashi added.

Emirates Environmental Group is a pioneering non-government organization devoted to protecting the environment through education, action programs and community involvement. EEG organizes numerous environmental campaigns as part of its mission to positively contribute to the advancement of sustainable development in the UAE.