Recognizing the urgent need to foster environmental stewardship among the younger generation, Young Eco, under the គម្រោងរេដបូក កែវសីមា I Keo Seima REDD+ of the Wildlife Conservation Society WCS Cambodia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS), embarked on a comprehensive program to transform schools into eco-learning hubs.
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 317,456 hectares (according to the sub-decree of the protected area system 2023) and is located in Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces in eastern Cambodia. This is an important location for the biodiversity and Bunong indigenous community, which has a rich traditional culture, connected with the rich natural resources in the area.
In addition, Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 1,000 species of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as Black-shanked douc, Asian elephants, Green peacocks, and many other endangered species such as Yellow cheeked Gibbon and Northern pig-tailed macaque are listed on the IUCN Red List.
By integrating environmental education into school curriculums, creating engaging educational materials, and empowering teachers, the initiative aimed to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
A rigorous selection process identified nine schools aligned with national and international eco-school standards. Young Eco pinpointed knowledge gaps and resource deficiencies through consultations with school principals, teachers, and WCS Cambodia. To address these challenges, core topics were identified under the broad themes of forestry, biodiversity, wildlife, and waste management. Theoretical and practical sessions were developed to impart essential knowledge and skills to both teachers and students.
To equip teachers with the necessary tools and confidence to deliver the curriculum effectively, Young Eco conducted a train-the-trainer program on several topics and soft skills. Each participating school received two seed funds for Eco-club Activities and Green infrastructure development to support the implementation of the program.
Primary School Champions: Igniting a Passion for Nature
At the heart of this initiative are the young students who have embraced the role of environmental stewards with enthusiasm. Primary schools, such as Sre I and Pu Trom Tmei, have witnessed a surge in environmental awareness among their students.
Four Grade 6 Students from Sre I Primary School, including [Munh Klot, Sra Saven, Nak Kvat, and Thi Thet], are wildlife lovers and advocates for wildlife conservation. They highlight the program's ability to blend education with entertainment.
"Eco-Club lessons are fun and easy to understand, except maybe ecology"
Hands-on activities like waste management have transformed classroom learning into tangible actions.
Student Competition at Sre I Primary School
Their peers at Pu Trom Tmei Primary School, [Sophorn Sovandar and Ponlork Nareach], were initially unfamiliar with environmental concepts. Their participation in a student competition showcased their creativity and passion, as they drew their dream homes surrounded by lush forests, and declared to many of their peers that
"We love the natural beautiful scenery"
Student Competition at Pu Trom Tmei Primary School
Similarly, Pu Tang Primary School, Pu Hiam Primary School, Pu La Primary School, and Pu Ju Primary School, have produced a cohort of young leaders who are actively shaping their school environments.
Students like [Vanney Sophanmaina, and Treh Sreyneth] from Pu Tang Primary, inspired by real-life encounters with elephants, have become vocal advocates for wildlife protection.
Student Competition at Pu Tang Primary School
Their peers at Pu Hiam Primary, [Seourn Barang, and Dam Sovannarith], have demonstrated resilience and determination in their pursuit of environmental knowledge.
"The reality around our house isn't quite there yet," they confess, a hint of determination in their voices. "But that's why we want to raise awareness!"
Student Competition at Pu Hiam Primary School
Three groups of students of O Am Primary School are a shining example of this positive change. In addition to actively participating in Student Competition, they declared that "We're not lazy about cleaning up because we want a clean school".
Student Competition at O Am Primary School
Students Pu Ju Primary School [Tak Sophea and Long Sreyneth] have shown their dedication to waste management and biodiversity conservation has set an example for their peers.
Student Competition at Pu Ju Primary School
[Kveanh Soyear, and Vannak Vanneth] from Pu La Primary School have taken the initiative to turn their campuses into sustainable models.
"We were so happy to learn about making compost, creating a biodiversity garden, and managing waste properly"
Student Competition at Pu La Primary School
Secondary School Leaders: Driving Change Through Education
Moving beyond the primary level, Sre Preah and Sre Chhuok Secondary Schools have cultivated a new generation of environmental champions.
Students like [Savorn Phyrisa and Peh Marisa] from Sre Preah Secondary School have embraced the challenges of ecology and waste management, emerging as confident young leaders. With guidance from their teachers and self-research, they have honed their research and presentation skills about the importance of environments, emerging as confident young leaders.
Our dedication to environmental education is evident in our eagerness to share our knowledge with peers and contribute to their school and community's sustainability initiatives.
Student Competition at Sre Preah Secondary School
Four groups of Sre Chhuok Secondary School students, building upon their first year in the Eco-Club, have become seasoned environmental advocates. “We loved being back in the Eco-Club,” they shared with enthusiasm.
In their second year, excitement was palpable as they returned to familiar territory with the added thrill of new challenges like the design thinking camp and student competition. The student competition was a platform for innovation.
"We spent hours brainstorming creative ideas to transform their school into a model of sustainability"
Their achievements filled them with pride. Parental support was instrumental in their journey.
“Our parents encouraged us to do our best,” they shared.
Student Competition at Sre Chhuok Secondary School
They have actively contributed to their school's development, taking on leadership roles in various initiatives. Their passion for environmental conservation is evident in their dedication to school improvement projects, such as leading waste management campaigns, participating in tree-planting activities, and establishing school gardens. They have also raised awareness among their peers, sharing their enthusiasm for environmental stewardship. These students embody the spirit of eco-champions, inspiring their classmates to embrace sustainable practices and become active participants in creating a greener future for their school and community.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Change
While these young champions have achieved remarkable success, they have also encountered challenges. Balancing academic studies with Eco-club Activities, gaining community support, and addressing resource constraints are some of the obstacles they have faced. However, their determination and resilience have enabled them to overcome these hurdles and continue their work.
These young environmentalists are not only making a difference within their schools but also inspiring their families and communities to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
The journey of these young champions is a testament to the power of environmental education and the importance of empowering young people to take action. By nurturing their passion and providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can cultivate a generation of environmental stewards who will shape a sustainable future for Cambodia and the world.
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