Helping the environment while having fun!

In February, our Scholars had the opportunity to attend a marine debris cleanup activity organised by the Community Engagement (CE) Portfolio. Named ‘Paddle for the Planet’, the CE portfolio decided to organise this activity to give our scholars the opportunity to interact first-hand with the ocean and see the effects of pollution in a maritime environment unfamiliar to them. 

In the early Saturday morning light, our Scholars began with a thorough safety brief as many of us were first-time-kayakers. This was followed with some tips on how to paddle efficiently before we set off into the ocean. After some practice paddling around in pairs, our Scholars kayaked to a nearby mangrove to kick-start the real purpose of this event. Offering simultaneously a nature-filled escape from the daily stress and helping to maintain the environment, our Scholars cleared up bottles, nylon strings, and other debris typically inaccessible to the daily cleaning the area underwent. 

Amidst picking up plastic food wrappers and old plastic bottles, our guide emphasized the importance of living a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle to protect the nature that is around us. Some Scholars described the experience as having been ‘fulfilling’ and a unique experience, particularly for our first-time kayakers. Josiah Teo, a CNYSC member, explained that the experience allowed him to bond with his schoolmates and forge memories. 

Thank you to our 16MC Community Engagement Portfolio for organising this event!