CGS Schools’ Carnival Sets the Stage for SELF Programme Launch 

Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State (Environment and Water Resources) launched the new Students Embracing Litter-Free (SELF) programme at the annual CGS Schools’ Carnival on 10th Nov 2010 at Anchor Green Primary School.

MOS posing with pre-school children at the carnival.

As an enhancement to the Litter-Free School programme, SELF is a move towards encouraging students to make a personal commitment in maintaining a clean and green environment. Students will be encouraged to organise litter-free activities such as clean-up or adoption of community spaces around the school. It also encourages students to speak up and recognise the majority of the members of the community who bin their litter responsibly.

The Schools’ Carnival, in its eighth year, saw the participation of over 10,000 students, teachers and parents from 230 schools, the highest to date. Visitors saw myriad activities/competitions which ran throughout the 2-day carnival. The highlights included the Climate Change Photography, Operation M.A.C.E The Roll call, Alternative Energy Car Challenge (AEC) - Solar Prix, Environment Dance Floor, Mr and Miss Teen Earth and the Environmental Fashion Show competitions. Likewise, winners from the 12 Build-up competitions held throughout 2010 were invited to showcase their winning entries at the carnival.

Proud winners of the AEC Solar Prix with MOS.

The Schools’ Carnival is a national level platform for the schools and corporate partners to showcase their collaborative projects under the Corporate And School Partnership (CASP) programme. For instance, Anchor Green primary School had partnered GP Batteries to set up a solar-powered charging station for rechargeable batteries. This initiative helps the students to better understand the benefits of solar energy to the environment and its applications.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim trying out a chair made from recyclable materials – a winning project from Si Ling Primary School

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, also visited the carnival on 11th Nov 2010, and was treated to the Finale performance of the Environment Fashion Show finalists strutting centre stage, as well as the ROP and 3R Awards student presentations.

Minister Yaacob enjoying a light-hearted moment during the Environment Fashion Show Finale.

Many accolades were received for the Schools’ Carnival, which was held for the 2nd time at a school premise. Below are some quotes from our partners.

“The carnival gave me a chance to learn from others how we can play our part to save the environment and have fun at the same time!”

Anchor Green Primary School, Environment Champion

“This is a vibrant and realistic event and is a success at engaging the students. Organising an event like this could be environmentally-unfriendly, but NEA’s beliefs and practices are clearly shown through little things such as having participants and visitors bring their own water bottles to the carnival”

Mr Ho Kok Soon, Environmental Education Advisor, Fuhua Primary School