Reef Guardian Marine Education Program for Green or Been
SM Sung Siew, Sandakan
Date : 5th – 7th June 2008
Venue : Lankayan Island
The ‘Green or Been’ team was cordially invited by Mr. Kenneth Chung for a 3-day-2-night stay on Lankayan Island starting from the 5th to the 7th of June 2008. The objective was to harbour concern and promote awareness to the school and the public through the team.
Our teacher Ms. Latifah, members of the team David Wong (5D), Vicki Chu (5F), Crystal Leong (4E), Cynthia Chee (4E), Low Gin Tung (4E), Catherine Maria Wong (3A), Celestina Phang (3B), Adeline Lee (3B), Wong Mui Kee (3B) including Jedd Chung (2B) and Caleb Leong (1B) arrived at the Yacht Club by 9.30 am for the boat transfer to Lankayan Island at 10.00 am. The speed boat ride to our destination was smooth and we reached at 11.30 am, the estimated time.
We were served with refreshments at the dining hall while Ms. Salha, a marine biologist and a Reef Guardian, gave us a brief introduction on the rules and regulations of SIMCA (Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area). The conservation activities on Lankayan Island were shown on video in the television room. We learnt that pollution is a threatening issue and by the time we realize and start conserving, it is going to be too late.
After a hearty meal we were taken to the Hydroponics Wastewater Treatment System Area by Ms. Salha and Mr. Jason. They explained the need to conserve water not only on the island but also in our homes. After that, we visited the turtle hatching area where we learned about the nesting and hatching of Green Turtle and Hawk beak Turtle. Next came the interesting part where students and teachers were to involve in a physical activity, which was snorkeling. All of us were mesmerized by the beauty of the underwater world. We continued with the program after dinner. We watched videos from the previous year’s team’s activities. We were given the opportunity to be in the turtle night patrol but unfortunately there were not any as it was raining heavily both nights. However, we were able to watch a video recording of a nesting of a turtle.
The Green or Been team had to wake up early the following morning, on the 6th, for activities that were specifically arranged for us. Breakfast was served at 6.30 am and at about 8.00 am we had our morning exercise to prevent from getting cramps in water as some of us did the day before. The whole team had fun snorkeling and was given the chance to snorkel further from the shore this time for more wonders from under the sea. We were also asked to observe a particular type of fish at the students’ preference and draw them on a board provided by the Reef Guardians.
Each of us cleaned ourselves up after the snorkel and was at the Reef Guardian office by 11.00 am. There, we learnt interesting facts about coral reefs, that they are actually animals and at the same time we presented our finding and observation on our snorkeling there. We also learn how fishes hide themselves in the sea and we played a game where we have to count the number of fishes which are hiding themselves at the same time.
After a scrumptious meal, we all proceeded to the Reef Guardian office for a game called ‘Feeding Frenzy’. The objective of the game was to help us understand better of the marine life’s needs. The Reef Guardians gave us our time off as we prepared for the performances that very night. At 5.00 pm sharp, Ms. Salha and her colleagues gathered us at the Sunset Bar for sand-building. The theme given was ‘Marine Life’. Students were divided evenly into three groups for the task. We learnt to be co-operative and creative. The teacher and students were given souvenirs to encourage us to continue with our efforts on conserving the environment. We were all excited for the performance later that night as we rushed into our shared rooms to take our showers, dress our best and take a little rest, yet although most of us were restless.
The performances started after our dinner at around 8.30 pm with Crystal Leong being our MC. We sang our version of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R. Kelly, with lyrics altered, a Macarena dance and finally the popular traditional ‘Goreng Pisang’ singing game with Reef Guardians opposing the Sung Siew Green or Been. Sadly to announce, we lost twice and our attempts to beat them was to no avail. Ms. Latifah then presented Mr. Kenneth Chung a souvenir as a sign of gratification for his generosity. Mr. Kenneth gave a short speech and encouraged us to keep our efforts up in what we were doing.
On the 7th, however, we were to leave Lankayan Island at 7.00 am. The thought of having to leave paradise itself was depressing, never mind doing it. We arrived back at the Yacht Club around 8.30 am. Throughout our stay on the island, camaraderie and a bond was formed among us. We were pampered throughout our stay, not to mention the unforgettable experience especially for those who set food on Lankayan for the very first time. We had tremendous fun feasting our eyes upon the marvels of the marine life. We are looking forward to our next trip as we are promised another trip to Lankayan Island the coming year.
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