SANDAKAN: A total of 39 youths from eight educational institutions across Sandakan and the West Coast of Sabah successfully completed the Second Edition of the Youth Camp on Climate Change, a three-day programme held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), on July 4.
Organised by the Sabah Forestry Department through the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), the programme was conducted in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), both members of the Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN). The programme also received support from the Sandakan Municipal Council and City Express Recycling Sdn. Bhd.
Based on the concept of experiential learning, the camp aimed to enhance youths’ awareness and understanding of climate change through a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, field activities, and group assignments. The programme also fostered leadership, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills among the participants.
As a follow-up to the programme, each participant group responded to the Climate Action Call by committing to implement at least one climate action initiative at their respective schools, colleges, or institutions within the next three months. The organisers will monitor and follow up on the implementation of these initiatives.
The Closing Ceremony was officiated by Max Million Lee, Community Development Officer for Tanjong Papat and Special Officer to the Member of Parliament for Sandakan, representing Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Member of Parliament for Sandakan. Also present was Indra Purwandita Henry Sunjoto, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning and Management), representing Datuk Zulkifli Suara, Chief Conservator of Forests.
In the speech delivered on behalf of Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Max Million Lee said that the enthusiastic participation of young people in programmes such as this demonstrates that an increasing number of youths are not only aware of environmental issues but are also prepared to become part of the solution. He emphasised that knowledge alone is insufficient unless it is translated into meaningful action, and expressed hope that the participants would continue to serve as agents of change by embracing sustainable lifestyles and inspiring their respective communities to safeguard and conserve the environment. – James Leong
Indra Sunjoto (left), presenting a souvenir to Max Million Lee, representing Vivian Wong.
