MEET THE FIRST MOBILE PANDA ON AIR!
"Welcome and welcome to the big family of Panda Mobile WWF-Indonesia", greeted Kak Hanna as one of the Panda Mobile coordinators to open our conversation in the Whatsapp group. All members in the group replied to each other in a friendly manner followed by a brief self-introduction. Not only that, our conversation in the group continued to a virtual meeting through Zoom. Long before the day of the meeting, the link to invite the meeting was distributed to ensure the attendance of us new volunteers.
Friday, August 14, 2020 at 3:30 pm. At the end of the day before the long weekend, the volunteers Panda Mobile 2020/2021 were brought together. Preparing yourself with an internet network and the best position in front of a computer screen for the next two hours is necessary. Unlike previous years' meetings at the WWF-Indonesia office complete with a group photo in front of the Panda Mobile truck after the event, this time the meeting was conducted virtually for the sake of mutual safety and health. Entering the new normal era in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am happy and proud to be part of a team that remains enthusiastic and continues to innovate in voicing the message of conservation.
The meeting was attended by 27 new volunteers, 3 coordinators, and several Panda Mobile volunteers from various batches. The material presented includes two things: an introduction to WWF and a simulation of Panda Mobile Virtual Class. All materials are wrapped with one important message, which is conservation. This conservation message will be the key to education in the Panda Mobile program and the spirit of its volunteers in contributing both directly and virtually.
Kak Sani Firmansyah started by introducing the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF). An interesting fact was shared about the prevailing opinion that WWF is a smackdown. The two are clearly different and it is through Panda Mobile that we can set the record straight. As a non-governmental organization, WWF, which was established on September 1, 1961, works to conserve animals and their habitats. The panda has been the logo of WWF since its establishment until now for many reasons. Besides being cute and adorable, since the body color is only black and white, the logo printing cost can be more efficient.
Continuing to discuss the Panda Mobile program with Hanna Astaranti. Starting from getting to know the multifunctional Panda Mobile truck and its activities for the Jabodetabek area, to Panda Mobile Virtual Class which is an alternative activity in the midst of a pandemic. The activities carried out offline are very diverse, such as water lab activity, watching educational films, informative games, reading books, storytelling, to recycling by carrying one protected animal as a theme. It is undeniable that for now, we as new volunteers have not been able to experience it directly. The best prayer is of course that it can be realized in the near future.
No less important are the rules of the game as a volunteer. Resti Octaviani explained the module containing details of activities and Do's and Don'ts especially during offline activities. Of course, it is a challenge for those of us who will carry the message of conservation if we don't also implement it in our daily practice, like an elephant diblangkoni (iso kojah ra iso nglakoni: can preach but can't implement). Preparing yourself with materials and bringing your own water bottle are things to keep in mind. This is complemented by passion and a willingness to explore new knowledge.
Came to the simulation material. Acting as participants, we were invited to interact by answering questions given by the simulator, such as guessing six umbrella animals from their voices in the Biodiversity in Indonesia material. Before the end, we were also invited for a virtual tour to Rimbang Baling in Riau which is one of WWF-Indonesia's work locations. This was an interesting experience and new knowledge for me. It felt like two hours with a lot of material presented did not feel boring.
Like a panda that crawls until it becomes fat and big as it gets older, so is expected to be bigger and more vigorous conservation activities carried out by WWF. Even though the current conditions only allow meetings between computer screens, through Panda Mobile I learned not to make it a barrier to educating more and more people. So, it doesn't matter if it's by land or air. For now, I'll see you in the air (online)!