Empowering youth to love and protect nature

Borneo Post

22-06-2025

The participants of the Environmental Education Programme at RDC, Sepilok.
SANDAKAN (June 22): In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), under the management of the Sabah Forestry Department, organized a one-day Environmental Education Programme on June 21 at RDC, Sepilok.
With the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution & Love Our Nature,' the event was to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among youth through immersive, nature-based learning experiences.
This programme was organised in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), as part of the nationwide initiative, National Training Week (NTW), from June 14 to 21.
A total of 51 students aged between nine and 22 years, along with 16 adult participants, took part in the programme.
The participants represented Sepilok Junior Rangers, Al-Yakin Orphanage, St. Mary's Youth Hostel and Sekolah Rendah Islam Ar-Raudhah.
Their involvement reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the programme, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to share experience and knowledge in a supportive, nature-based learning environment.
The participants joined one of two themed learning tracks: bird watching and craft-making using reused No. 6 plastic, or Junior Entomologist and Eco-Brick making.
These interactive sessions were designed to provide exposure to biodiversity and plastic waste issues while allowing participants to gain practical knowledge about birds, insects and sustainable living.
In addition to building awareness, the programme also encouraged communication, critical thinking and peer engagement around environmental topics.
As part of the initiative, selected members of the Sepilok Junior Rangers went through a Train-the-Trainer exercise, where they will practise leadership and facilitation skills by assisting RDC educators in guiding younger participants.
This exercise served to build their confidence and ability to inspire others, nurturing their potential as young environmental ambassadors.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, emphasized that the programme has empowered young people with the knowledge and values to care for the environment. Through meaningful contact with nature and collaborative learning, the initiative fostered a sense of personal responsibility and inspired long-term environmental stewardship among the next generation.