DEC launches Environment Day in schools

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday, May 11, 2011

By JASON GIMA WURI
THE Department of Environment and Conservation has officially launched World Environment Day activities in schools.
Activities are held in partnership with the Department of Education, National Forests Authority and Steamships Group of Companies.
Waigani Primary School was the first to receive stationery supplies and 1,000 tree seedlings yesterday followed by five other schools – Coronation Primary, Kilakila Primary, Gerehu Secondary, Gordon Secondary and Badihagwa Secondary – all in the nation’s capital.
Environment Department team leader for education programmes Margaret Sibona and media manager Robert Rage have been carrying out environment awareness campaigns and presenting the schools with the seedlings and stationery.
Presenting the Steamship-sponsored stationery supplies at Waigani Primary, Rage said it was important for students to be aware of the environment around them and the effects of human activities on it.
“Your school has been selected to be part of the DEC’s initiative programmes leading up towards World Environment Day on June 5, which is the global calendar day,” he said.
“But for PNG, environment day will be celebrated on June 3, so that students are involved,” Rage said.
“We have the Steamships group of companies sponsoring all our school competitions involving seven schools – four primary and three secondary schools.
“We also have the backing and support of The National newspaper and EMTV, with Kids Kona covering the school presentation activities and giving maximum visibility to our sponsors.”