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  Channel NewsAsia 26 Nov 06
More than 200 students learn how to keep the rivers clean
 By Noor Mohd Aziz

SINGAPORE: Having fun while learning - that's what more than 200 students did at Pasir Ris Beach on Sunday morning.

They were up and about to do their part to keep the rivers clean. Rather than the usual beach and park cleaning exercise, the youths went out in their kayaks, clearing the litter in the mangrove swamp along Sungei Api Api, off Pasir Ris Beach.

"It is quite (an) experience, personally. I never really had a chance to clean in Pasir Ris Beach. Yeah, it is quite dirty, that is quite surprising," said Nicholas Yeo Wen Xin, student, Meridian Junior College.

The river cleaning project was organised as part of Clean and Green Week 2006, to create awareness among the youth and to encourage them to walk the talk.

"The important thing is that it is ingrained in them that if we don't litter, then we don't have the dirt and subsequently it is a longer kind of exposure for them. I think we should have more of these activities and expose the youth to the things we need to do to keep our environment clean," said Gerald Yap Hock Hin, Grassroots leader.

The MP for the area and Defence Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean, also joined the youths in their efforts to clean up the river. "I wanted them to do something with the community. PAYM (PA Youth Movement) is celebrating the 25th anniversary as well. So I encouraged the Youth Movement to organise this together with the community," said Mr Teo.

How did the youths respond to the Minister's call and what did they learn from this exercise? "I think this will greatly raise the public awareness, especially the youth, so they will not litter. It is a really fun way. I think they will enjoy while learning something," said Chen wan Wei, student, Meridian Junior College. - CNA /dt
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