USM Edu Community

OUTRAGED by the level of environmental degradation in the country, concerned students from University Sains Malaysia (USM), who call themselves the New Millennium Graduates (Nemgrads), have decided to create public awareness on the issue.

“We want to educate and spread the word about the need to preserve the environment,” said Caitlyn Tang who is part of the 24-member group.

The group’s ongoing “Green Generation Campaign” launched in October, is to educate and generate interest among schoolchildren about the environment.

So far, the group has initiated its campagn in selected schools in Penang. These include SMK Penang Free, SMK Methodist, SJK (C) Sin Min, SJK (C) Chong Teik, SK Sungai Ara, SJK (C) Li Tek A, SJK (C) Li Tek B, SMJK (C) Convent Dato Keramat, SJK (C) Tong Sian, SMJK Han Chiang, SJK (C) Heng Ee, SMK Bukit Gambir, SMJK Heng Ee, SJK (C) Perempuan Cina dan SMJK Perempuan Cina.

“Many students have become passionate about the subject and are only too eager to put their knowledge to use,’’ said Tang.

Nemgrads also held quizzes and competitions to stimulate the students on the subject. In fact, the group further challenged the students by having a quiz solely on air and water pollution. Prizes were given out to those who managed to answer correctly, she added.

“By raising their awareness on the subject, we are confident that students from these schools will become peer educators and spread the green message to their friends and family.

“Nemgrads has also been instrumental in organising handicraft competitions where only recyclable materials and environmental-friendly items were used,” said Tang.

She reiterated that when students are informed and conscious of issues like pollution, global warming and climatic changes, it would pave the way for a “green generation” in the years to come.

The group also conducted road tours at several institutions of higher learning in Kedah, Penang and Perak.

They included Han Chiang College, USM’s engineering department, Olympia College, INTI College, Disted Stamford College and KDU College.

Nemgrads recently staged an environmental version of the Amazing Race at USM, Penang where participants had to race through green areas within the university premises.

It also managed to engage the public in environmental conservation activities by holding a workshop and exhibitions on the subject at several hypermarkets. - THE STAR