by Cheam May Choo
Throughout the months of April and May 2019 we had reforestation programmes for 5 more schools, bringing up the total of participants to 135 students,16 teachers and 9 volunteers. A total of 158 saplings ( trees and orchids) were planted.
The Edge Education Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Edge Media Group. The foundation’s mission is to foster, develop and promote education of all kinds. Through the Edge KL Rat Race (which is held annually since 2000) funds are raised from corporate Malaysia and given to the various registered charities and NGOs. Last year the event was held at Padang Merbok, KL on the 31st of July 2018.
The schools that joined the programme include
1. SJKC Cameron on the 15th of April 2019. 30 students and 3 teachers.
2. SJKT Ringlet on the 19th of April 2019. 26 students and 2 teachers
3. SJKT Tanah Rata on the 25th of April 2019. 21 students and 2 teachers
4. SJKC Kea Farm on the 26th of April 2019. 25 students and 3 teachers
5. SK Tanah Rata on the 30th of April 2019. 28 students and 2 teachers
6. SK Boh 1 on the 6th of May 2019. 5 students and 5 teachers.
The itinerary for each school would be similar to that below except that the pick-up point may differ depending on the location of the school relative to Gunung Brinchang.
8.00 am-Students assemble at the weekly market site in Tanah Rata. (Pick-up point may also be changed to another site in Tanah Rata upon the request of the schools). A short briefing would be given. Students are then required to answer a questionnaire .
8.30 am-Depart by EcoCameron 4wd vehicles to the REACH biodiversity centre at Gunung Brinchang .
9.30 am- Arrive at the biodiversity centre. Briefing on the Mossy forests and its importance.
10.00 am-Tree planting begins after a short explanation.
11.20 am-Tree planting ends. Light lunch is provided.-Briefing on Climate Change ( introduction).Students answer the questionnaire.
12noon-Students leave the biodiversity centre for Tanah Rata.
12.45pm- Students arrive in Tanah Rata. Program ends.
For this year’s programme, we decided to give priority to more remote schools such as SJKT Boh 1 and Boh 2 and schools who have not participated in our reforestation programmes for a while or not at all. In almost every school we approached, we were greeted with much enthusiasm and the programmes would usually be confirmed within a week .Similarly when we briefed them at the start of the day’s programme, the children would be raring to go. 
Oh The energy of youth!
With the fasting month here, we will slow down a little and resume again after Hari Raya. This programme is made possible by the Edge Education Foundation and once again REACH would like to thank them very much for their support.