INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME REPORT

On Saturday, 9 April 2022 SMK Convent Butterworth and WWF Malaysia together organised an online International Webinar for the eco-schools programme 2022. This is an international programme which consists of environmental and sustainable development goals for schools. This programme is structured through a change management process called the seven steps of methodology, which are used by schools to work towards continuous improvement in environmental actions. The International Webinar is supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.

The opening speech was hosted online by the Deputy Education Minister of Malaysia YB Senator Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon. He lauded the efforts of the school's organisation and stated that it is a great programme that would provide a platform for students to harness their leadership skills while mastering the environmental issues; enhancing their knowledge and thinking skills while improving their proficiency in languages. The objectives of this webinar are to create a platform for sharing and exchanging ideas on best practices in Eco-Schools Programme among schools in Malaysia and abroad. Moreover, improving the students communication and leadership skills as well as to promote team spirit. SMK Convent Butterworth also shared about the plan to turn their school into a beautiful garden with myriad of plants.

Participants from Doha English School, Qatar presented on “Back to Basics” explaining the efforts of their school to produce 65 variety of plants despite the dry weather and very little rain. Enthusiastic presenters from Henry Park Primary School, Singapore shared on “ Biodiversity and Nature” and it was absolutely impressive to learn about eco-enzyme. Other participating schools were Convent Pulau Tikus Primary School, Yok Eng Primary School, Bukit Gelugor Primary School, Kheng Tean Primary School, Delhi Public School and Fathima Central Senior Secondary School, India. Nearly 1300 students from all over Malaysia, as well as teachers participated online. An officer from WWF – Malaysia Eco-Schools Programme, Miss Mathi Vatani was also invited to share her experiences and to address the questions about the environmental issues.

The event ended with a quiz session for all the students to attain an achievement certificate for their co-curricular marks. The closing speech was then delivered by Dr Japareng Lalung, The Coordinator of Regional Centre of Expertise Penang and he congratulated us. The main organizer for our success and being able to reach more than a thousand participants in the Facebook Live.