Smart Rangers

SMART means Sorting and Managing All Resources Thoroughly is a program organised by Global Environment Centre (GEC) in collaboration with MBPJ and Education Department and funded by DANIDA-SWMC. The program aimed at educating 5 schools in PJ to be environmental steward. The schools should practice 3R thoroughly toward achieving zero-waste and combating climate change. These schools are Sri Kelana, Yuk Chuen and Vivenkanada Primary School and Kelana Jaya and Bandar Sri Damansara 1 Seconday School.

We have a working committee meeting on last Tuesday in which the schools representatives brought out some pertinent questions on time factor, target group, organising structure, appropriate programmes and activities, finance, expertise and support. A total of RM3,500 per school is allocated for them to carry out sustainable initiatives, tree planting or even awareness campaign.

This is excited especially seeing the success of Sri Kelana School implementing similar programme since year 2004. The sustainability element is emphasized so that initiative will not continue due to loss of interest, change of leadership and management as well as the students. In doing so, economic sustainability apart from due recognition from the education authorities is very important. It is with sufficient financial allocation that the initiatives can go on. However, the money must be self-generated and not spoon feed by others. For example, the Smart Rangers of Sri Kelana is earning much to contribute the construction of pagoda, rubbish bin and other facilities to the schools.

Another contributing factor is the leadership and dedication of teachers. One of the undeniable success factor of Sri Kelana is due to the commitment and dedication shown by Mr Ong. With full support from the headmistress and other teachers, he managed to steer the smart rangers for greater and total involvement in the field of environment conservation. We need champion like him. Thank you, Sir.