By: Adrian Permana (Volunteer Bumi Panda)

Friday (02/12), Bumi Panda was visited by a group of scouts from SDK Yahya Bandung. A total of 52 students accompanied by their teachers were welcomed by the Bumi Panda team. Due to the large number of students, they were divided into three groups that did different activities at the same time.

Group 1 had a tour of Bumi Panda accompanied by Dwi Widya, an Bumi Panda volunteer who explained about the Species Room at Bumi Panda. The students were invited to recognize WWF-Indonesia's umbrella species, such as Javan rhinos, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, turtles, and Sumatran elephants. They enthusiastically listened to the explanation about these protected animals. "Sis, how can I help these animals?" asked Diana, a student of SDK Yahya. "It's really easy by protecting the environment around us. Reduce the use of plastic and dispose of garbage in its place. For the rest, let's support WWF-Indonesia's conservation efforts together!" replied Dwi.

At the same time, Group 2 learned about water conservation at the Water Laboratory, Bumi Panda. For starters, they were introduced to one of WWF-Indonesia's conservation projects in Rimbang Baling, Riau, by explaining the local wisdom of the people in Rimbang Baling who protect the river as a form of respect and love for nature. "So in Rimbang Baling there is still a river with very clean water. I want to invite you to take part in protecting the river and the water around us," said Sani Firmansyah, coordinator of Bumi Panda. "I've already helped my grandparent clean the gutter from garbage, sis," said Martin, a student of SDK Yahya in response to Sani's invitation.

Next, they were invited to become water conservationists. Dressed in laboratory coats, the students were explained about various laboratory equipment, such as beakers, microscopes, drop pipettes, litmus paper, and several solutions to be tested. Sani then explained how the acid and base solution experiment worked. The students were also able to watch the water being examined using a microscope, the results of which were projected onto an LED screen. Shrieks of surprise and various reactions emerged when they saw the various microorganisms contained in the water. "Wow, there are worms! Why are there so many of them?" shouted one student. "Dirty water can be a breeding ground for germs. That's why we have to keep the water clean," Sani replied.

Meanwhile, Group 3 learned about the environment visually by watching environmental-themed movies. One of the movies screened was "We Are all Connected" which explains that humans and other living things are connected. The students were quite enthusiastic about the movie.

"It is very exciting, our students can learn to know protected animals, forests, seas, as well as the importance of maintaining clean water. Hopefully, the extraordinary learning from Bumi Panda WWF-Indonesia can be a provision for our students to be agents of change for a better environment," said Irene, the accompanying teacher of SDK Yahya Bandung. The series of activities at Bumi Panda ended with a group photo with the volunteers and teachers. The atmosphere became more lively when the students sang a song of gratitude and clapped the scouts.