Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“Our Responsibility as Citizens of Singapore”
Although many of these issues highlighted in this week’s report are of the usual, we reflect on the bigger question: “How do we then move forward as a nation?” The chronic lack of environmental education has been a recurring theme, and it’s time we address how to shift the trajectory from ignorance to genuine appreciation for our environment. As a First World country, do we ourselves reflect this title via our actions and behaviours? Or do we consider ourselves as a First World country with Third World people? Appears there are citizens around that do not understand or even know how to properly discard general waste into our bins, and have social responsibility. Is there a lack of common sense in some or……many?
In this report, under the first section of NEA, the section diverts a little away from our waterways and we focus on the realities of social responsibility Singaporeans exhibit. As to highlight the issue and severity of high-rise littering, the section has been included to convey the realities of this nation and how there is a critical need for a change in terms of education when it comes to social responsibility for self and others. High-rise littering, which will be highlighted in the section below, serves as a stark reflection of the state of our nation and the urgent necessity for enhanced awareness and action in this regard. One of our members deeply affected by this problem, felt compelled to share her personal observations, providing a more profound perspective on the matter.
We also like to specially congratulate and honor all teachers a very Happy Teachers Day this Monday. A job well done and often taken for granted by many.
Thank you Teachers!
Summary of Activities conducted for the Week
In summary, the following activities were done for this week:
- We conducted 9 CSR programs which were attended by 282 participants, and together they collected a total of 304 kg of litter. It was a hectic week for us.
- This week a total of 337 members were involved in CSR/VIA programs, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties, and training.
- The total trash collected by the patrol groups was 56 kg.
- Boat Patrol. 4 boat patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina, and 2 at Punggol.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 3 Bike patrols were carried out; 1 at Marina, 1 at Punggol, and 1 at Lakeside.
- Pedal Boat Patrol. A total of 2 Pedal Boat Patrols were carried out; 1 at Marina, and 1 at Lakeside.
- Foot Patrol. No foot patrol was carried out.
- Gardening. A team of 4 pax for gardening at Marina.
Once again, we sincerely thank all members and volunteers, who came for patrol or for facilitating the CSR/VIA programs, for your time and dedication to the task. Without your support we would not have been able to achieve this. Special mention to the teachers of Pathlight who came down in strength to participate in our kayak cleanup programme. Three cheers to the teachers, students and our facilitators! Young and old, we all must care for our environment.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
No Patrol.