EEG's Eighth Students' Workshop Series gets students to 'Think and Act Green'

Themed 'Tomorrow's Environmentalists' this unique workshop brought together 450 students from over 90 schools in the UAE.

Starting the programme as an annual event in 2001, EEG conducted the Eighth Students Workshop Series at Rashid School for Boys, on Oct. 27, 28 and 29, 2008.

With a clear perspective of learning and taking responsibility, the students were motivated to shape their own future, by following the theme of "Think and Act Green".

This year's workshop on 'Green Living' was dedicated to the critical issue of sustainable lifestyles and the impact of our ecological footprint on the environment.

In other words, it refers to a lifestyle that has minimal (or positive) impact on the environment.

'Tomorrow's Environmentalists' being inspired by the workshop, interacted and discussed and came up with several simple solutions to meet the drastic environmental challenges.

The workshop concluded by giving solutions and educating new attitudes that help people to alter their behavior to build a cleaner and greener environment.

An overview of the concept was given and practical measures were highlighted that could be undertaken by individuals, the government and the corporate sector to adhere to green living standards at the local and international levels.

Simple choices to tread lightly on this planet would be like choosing sustainable and lower impact goods to reduce our consumption of natural resources.

Using of natural materials to keep us healthy; growing crops like cotton and flax without fertilizers or pesticides will keep our soil, air and water clean for our farmers and workers.

Energy can be saved by using energy-saving light bulbs and low flow water filters.

Following the three R's of sustainability; reducing consumption to save material and money, reusing to respect our sources and saving energy, that will be needed to manufacture that product and last recycling; which should be treated as the last option in the three R's.

Many people think - because an item can be recycled, they might feel that extra consumption is no longer a bad thing. Recycling is the last of the 3 R's i.e. Reduce, Reuse... lastly, Recycle. Recycling still does require substantial energy.

Year after year, government and private schools eagerly anticipate these workshops and Emirates Environmental Group on its part has lived up to the challenges of providing and promoting environmental knowledge and capacity building for various strata of the academic community.

EEG leaves no stone unturned when it comes to building knowledge and capacity of the youth to be environmentally sensitive and pro-active.

Through the Students Workshop, EEG offers a platform to the youth to build their capacity of analyzing the sensitivities of our vulnerable environment.

It takes up the responsibility of guiding the youth for they know that the future of our environment will be in peril, otherwise.

Then, it is up to the students to 'take actions' (act green) as Ms. Al Marashi rightly said, "You are 'Tomorrow's Environmentalists' - the future stewards of the environment. You need to shoulder responsibilities and prepare yourselves for your future roles."

This year, recognizing the prospective benefits of the workshop for the students, the British Council and Al Safi Club For Friends of the Environment once again supported this event as their commitment towards protecting the environment.

EEG acknowledged the support of Rashid School for Boys, which has been hosting this event for three consecutive days, since it was initiated.

EEG commended the personal initiative taken by Mr. Glyn Kilsby, to promote the concept of 'Think and Act Green'.

The main speaker and facilitator, Ms. Kim Husdson from Inspiring Outdoors, opened the workshop by bringing in the concepts and features of Green Living, followed by Mr. Husham Bukhari, presenting his topic on the energy challenge faced globally as well as locally.

Dr. Radhiya Hashimi, Director of Environmental Center for Arab Towns, brought in the concept of Indoor Air Quality, while Mr. Sadrudin Damji from Taaleem presented a 'green school' for UAE.

With the main topic in mind and the sub-topics under the umbrella of 'Green Living', the EEG team put up several stimulating interactive sessions during each workshop.

The student's presentations in the form of art, poetry, posters and slogans showcased their creativity and learning in a unique blend.

Getting together with people of varied backgrounds and culture, speaking different languages, but discussing the common topic, emphasized the importance of the subject as well as the environmental challenges we are facing.

The workshop inculcated team spirit and promoted communication skills.

The teachers also got first hand experience on new and inventive ways of teaching environmental education, which they could put into action on going back to school.

A CD with ample material was prepared and presented to each participating school in order to facilitate environmental assignments and programmes within their academic institutions.

The pre and post workshop questionnaire gave a feedback and assessment from the participating students and their accompanying teachers.

The suggestions given could be incorporated in their future workshops taking into consideration the existing gaps and requisites.

Certificates of participation were given to all the students who attended the workshops while engraved crystals were given to all the sponsors and speakers as tokens of appreciation for supporting this workshop.