Seeds of Change: Forest Interactive Foundation and Axiata Foundation Plant Eco-Consciousness in Young Malaysians
This partnership returns for its second year to foster environmental awareness and a culture of stewardship, as the program expands in coverage of topics of learning and schools.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1, 2024: Forest Interactive Foundation, in collaboration with Axiata Foundation launches the Environmental Education Program, encompassing the second cohort of Green Bean and the first cohort of the Green Sprout program at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Piatu in Bentong, Pahang, today.
Dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and instilling a long-term environmental preservation mindset among Malaysia's youth, the launch today marks the first stop of this program.
Awareness & Engagement
The Environmental Education Program for each of the 8 schools across Peninsular Malaysia is structured over three days for Green Bean and condensed into two for Green Sprout each week at the respective schools, spanning July for the hands-on experiences to reinforce environmental responsibility.
Supported by Axiata Foundation, Green Bean and Green Sprout engages 30 students aged 10-12 from eight schools nationwide. Participants are organized into six teams within each school, each comprising of five students, to explore and learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a specific emphasis on Climate Change and Zero Hunger. The initiative features an adaptable module that simplifies the SDGs using everyday language, fostering a stronger connection with students' lives and enhancing their understanding and engagement.
The program continues with a focus on upcycling, introducing a specialized machine designed for bottle caps. This innovative device allows participants to engage directly in the recycling process, turning theory into practice. By interacting with the machine, participants will gain a deeper understanding of recycling's importance and develop a greater sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices.
To address climate change and its impacts, Forest Interactive Foundation and Axiata Foundation are devoted to empowering young learners with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm required to become environmental stewards.
"We are thrilled to launch the Environmental Education Program, including the Green Bean and Green Sprout programs, in collaboration with Axiata Foundation," said Johary Mustapha, Founder and CEO of Forest Interactive Foundation.
"These initiatives are designed not only to educate students about sustainability but also to empower them to initiate meaningful changes within their communities. By simplifying complex issues such as the SDGs and incorporating hands-on activities, our goal is to nurture a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders and innovators.
Culminating their journey, Green Bean participants will embark on their visit to Taman Tugu Malaysia, immersing themselves in the nation's rich biodiversity. Conversely, Green Sprout attendees will explore Paya Indah Discovery Wetland, gaining insights into sanctuary management, solar energy applications, and mangrove conservation efforts, emphasizing ecological balance and wildlife preservation.
Mohamad Kamal Nawawi, CEO at Axiata Foundation stated that “We appreciate our partnership with Forest Interactive Foundation through the Green Bean & Green Sprout programs, which will empower Malaysian youth with vital sustainability skills. Initiatives like these are crucial in shaping a future generation committed to environmental stewardship. By engaging young minds in practical experiences and fostering a deep understanding of the SDG, this program not only educates but also inspires students to take proactive steps towards creating a sustainable future. Axiata Foundation is proud to continue its support of such initiatives for the second year, aligning with our commitment to promoting environmental awareness and fostering sustainable practices among communities.”
Workshops & Final Competition
In July, this program will further extend with each participating school hosting an internal competition among its student groups. The winning group from each school will then compete with the winning teams from the other schools in the subsequent month. In September, the top 3 groups will then advance to showcase their achievements at the #mydigitalmaker Fair, exhibition by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Additionally, as part of this initiative and to create a ripple effect, upper-primary students will lead recycling campaigns for five months within their primary schools. By starting environmental education at a young age, this effort aims to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, to lead by example among their peers. It not only educates but also inspires students to take proactive steps towards creating a sustainable future.
The collaboration between Forest Interactive Foundation and Axiata Foundation for the second iteration of Green Bean and the inaugural cohort of Green Sprout underscores a mutual dedication to fostering the potential of young Malaysian talents in sustainable endeavors. These initiatives are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to the country's evolving sustainable landscape, thus shaping the future cadre of eco-conscious leaders. Upon completion of these programs, a total of 240 primary students and 2,000 secondary students will have received education on crucial environmental issues and climate change.
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About Forest Interactive Foundation
Founded in 2021 as an extension of Forest Interactive’s sustainability initiatives, Forest Interactive Foundation is a tech-powered non-profit organization with a long-term mission to nurture and develop talents for the digital economy, empower our society, and preserve the environment through sustainable initiatives and programmes. The Foundation’s three core pillars are Future Innovators, Empowered Communities, and Sustainable Environment.
Since 2006, Forest Interactive has showcased its commitment to those three pillars. Today, Forest Interactive Foundation works with corporate sponsors and government partners such as CIMB Foundation, Axiata Foundation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), by developing and facilitating flagship programmes, demonstrating its commitment and collective effort towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Visit www.forestcares.org to learn more.
About Axiata Foundation
As part of its mission, Axiata Foundation focuses on developing and nurturing young generations with critical skills to develop them into future digital leaders, under its Education Pillar. In addition, Axiata Foundation provides sustainable solutions to elevate quality of life for underserved and marginalized communities through its Community Investments pillar and aims to build a healthier planet through educating and collaborating with our youth under its Environment Pillar.
For more information about Axiata Foundation, visit: www.axiata-foundation.com
