A Report on Engaging Orang Asli, Government Schools, and Special Needs Children in Cameron
Highlands
by Anaya Dhanoa
“As the leader of a sustainability project with REACH in Cameron Highlands, I am Anaya, a 16-year-old student from Garden International School, who lives in Kuala Lumpur. This report encapsulates our collaborative efforts with the diverse communities of Cameron Highlands to promote eco-consciousness and environmentally-friendly practices. Collaborating with Orang Asli children, mothers, government school students, and special needs children, the program focused on practical eco-friendly activities like making soap from used cooking oil, composting organic kitchen waste, and creating reusable bags. Workshops were conducted in local villages and schools. These efforts empowered women with new skills and encouraged creativity among participants while emphasising the importance of
reducing plastic usage. The engagement with government school children integrated sustainable practices into their curriculum, offering practical sessions on soap-making from scratch and
organic waste management. This hands-on approach led to increased awareness and
a deeper understanding of environmental issues among the participants, fostering a
sense of community cohesion and environmental stewardship.
The project’s success showcased heightened awareness and comprehension of
sustainable practices, emphasising the significance of continued support for such
initiatives. REACH, a proactive organisation dedicated to community development and
sustainability, played a crucial role in coordinating partnerships and workshops. Their
expertise in community engagement facilitated impactful collaborations, fueling
collective efforts towards environmental education and social unity in Cameron Highlands.”
11th December 2023- Soap making , composting and ecobag painting activity at Kampung Kuala Boh. Facilitators : Datin Aseema, Mdm Praneet, Saraswathi and Anaya. Participants: 15 housewives and 40 children.
12th December 2023-Soap making and composting workshop at SK Tanah Rata (National Primary School Tanah Rata). Facilitators: Datin Aseema, Anaya, Mdm Praneet, Shangita and Saraswathi. Participants: 56 students from Primary 6.
13th December 2023-Soap making and composting workshop at SJKT Boh 2. Faciliators: Datin Aseema, Anaya, Mdm Praneet and Saraswathi. Participants: 28 students from Primary 1 to 6.
Every so often, we are blessed with the enthusiasm of youth. The passion and energy, it rejuvenates us. And Anaya epitomises this. She is outstanding and has been assisting Reach since the year before. We thank her and all our other volunteers who give us the drive to move forward.
