2nd November 2015
There is a saying that goes, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
Children are our nation’s most precious and priceless treasures. We believe in the importance of educating and involving them in preserving, protecting, and maintaining one of our nation’s finest resources – our beautiful highlands.
Hence on the 2nd of November, several REACH volunteers brought 17 students and 3 teachers from SK Kampung Raja ( Kampung Raja National Primary School) up to REACH’s Biodiversity Centre located midway at Gunung Brinchang at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level. The steep road up to the centre was challenging but nonetheless satisfying when we finally reached our destination. This climb is not for the faint of heart!
Once we were at the site, we were greeted by clear blue skies, fresh, clean air and a breathtaking view of our home town. Our guide Mr Satya Murthy, started explaining to the students about the many ailments that Cameron Highlands has been experiencing for quite a number of years.
He also shared his knowledge on Cameron’s 250 million year-old Mossy forests which are great sources of clean water, and are homes to countless of floras, 75% of which are mainly herbal plants. As of today, we know that the Mossy forests are ‘sick’ and they will not be entertaining guests for quite a while.
Do you know that there are only 4 clean rivers out of all the 126 rivers in Cameron Highlands now? Most of the rivers today are polluted and look like ‘teh tarik’. We were all saddened and alarmed by this fact.
However, Mr Satya encouraged the students to remember and take these to heart and be more active in protecting and conserving both our rivers and forests.
He then invited the students to take their first step on that day by applying fertilizers to the soils at the centre. Although the fertilizers did not smell pleasant, the students had fun running about and taking turns doing their part to preserve the environment.
Soon after, Melody educated the students on the importance of cherishing and keeping the floras and faunas from further harm.
Later on, the students were given a short talk regarding the ongoing campaign – Cameron Highlands Smoke Free Zone (CHBAR) to encourage them to protect themselves, their loved ones and the environment from the dangers of exposure to smoking and secondhand smoke.
The day’s activity came to an end with a short trip to the Gunung Brinchang’s watchtower where the students were rewarded with a stunning view of the highlands and fresh, cool air that otherwise could not have been felt anywhere else.
written by Lai Shen-Ly