Students from SJK (T) Effingham return to nature to learn about our beloved Malaysian rivers

It was a beautiful Saturday morning with the sound of birds chirping and the cool refreshing morning breeze accompanied by the steady stream of morning joggers at Lembah Kiara Recreation Park,Taman Tun Dr.Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The location has became the site of many successful river programmes where Salcon worked and collaborate with Water Watch Penang (WWP) and Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP) with the aim of educating the younger generation about the importance of preserving our beloved river systems. A number of 4 teachers and 35 students from SJK (T) Effingham joined this fun filled learning experience. The children aged from 10 to 11 years old were eagerly excited and ready to carry out the activities prepared for them.



The facilitators from Water Watch Penang (WWP) introducing themselves before starting the activities



Activities such as water sampling methods and also checks on microorganisms were carried out throughout the event. Students were given the opportunity to carry out a number of interesting and interactive activities such as physical water testing, which is the process where the flow rate, clarity, colour and smell is carried out. The students were also guided on monitoring the alkaline and acidic levels within the river water, in addition to looking for aquatic organisms in the river which is an indication of the health level of the river.

While having a break from the activities, we had a talk with some of the children.

"I had a lot of fun today, I got to see many new types of fishes and insects, and it is a good programme for learning and I would definitely take care of our rivers." (Sudarshan 10)

"It was an enjoyable programme and I learned many new facts about rivers. I love to play in rivers and I have been to places such as Commonwealth Park with my family. It is important for us to take care of our rivers and I would love to participate in the next river programme," (Niethaielan 11)

Besides that, the children also had the opportunity to colour their own button badge for FREE, courtesy of Water Watch Penang.





The river programme successfully ended around 12pm, despite the raging mid noon sun and being wet all over, the children no doubt had a wonderful time with the personnel from Salcon and also Water Watch Penang (WWP).