BRUNEI-MUARA

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced a guidebook to encourage more schools to go green by engaging the younger generation in sustainable development initiatives.

Published by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, the 20-page material provides guidelines on inculcating good practices and attitudes among the school community towards addressing environmental issues.

Titled Guidebook for Initiating Green-Schools in Brunei Darussalam, it also serves as a benchmark for identifying and recognising outstanding green schools nationwide.

Speaking at the launching ceremony yesterday, STEP Centre Acting Head Sarimah Abu Bakar said the guidebook was part of their green school initiatives aimed at educating the youth to “ensure our community will prosper with sustainable development and economy in the future”.

She explained that the centre has selected issues relating to the environment, energy and water as the key focus of green school initiatives.

“This country has been recorded as a high water and energy user as well as garbage disposal among Southeast Asian countries,” said Sarimah at the Meragang Sixth Form Centre, pointing out the need to put an end to wasteful attitudes.

She added that the STEP Centre will continue to work with other government agencies to raise awareness about sustainable development.

Following the launch of the guidebook, five secondary schools and three primary schools from across the country each received $1,500 and $1,000 cash respectively as incentive for a project funded by Brunei Methanol Company (BMC).

The project will be carried out in collaboration with the STEP Centre under the green schools initiative with the purpose of facilitating the recipients in their efforts to go green.

During the event, the results of the Electrical Energy Saving Competition were also announced. Berakas Secondary School emerged as the champion of the secondary school category, while Merangking Primary School claimed victory in the primary school category.

The winners received $1,000 cash prizes, followed by $700 cash prizes for second place and $400 cash prizes for third place. They were also awarded with trophies and certificates.

Organised by the STEP Centre and CIC Environmental Services, the 2013-2014 competition aimed to promote knowledge and awareness on conserving energy in schools and at homes as well as cultivate energy efficient habits at an early stage.

In addition, the competition sought to increase awareness on the importance of conserving natural resources to ensure a sustainable future for young generations.

“Indeed, the three activities above required one or two years of research, management or recording of any actions taken. Alhamdulillah with the patience and cooperation particularly from schools and departments involved, they have been successfully implemented,” said Sarimah.

Present as the guest of honour at the launch was Acting Education Minister Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail.

The Brunei Times