PANDA MOBILE AND HSBC VOLUNTEERS EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT CLEAN WATER AT RPTRA BETAWI NGUMPUL
About 60 percent of the human body is water. Therefore, water plays an important role in human health. By consuming a sufficient amount of water every day, we can control body temperature, gain energy, remove toxins, and strengthen the immune system. Conversely, a lack of water will disrupt the body's systems.
However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get clean water. This is because some water sources have been polluted. Ironically, the level of public awareness of the availability of clean water is also still fairly minimal. For this reason, WWF-Indonesia's Panda Mobile together with HSBC volunteers returned to the field to educate children about the importance of clean water at the Betawi Ngumpul Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) on July 14, 2019.
The activity began with introductions and a question and answer session. Erik, one of the HSBC volunteers, opened the question about the amount of clean water available on earth. The little participants were not able to answer perfectly. So, Erik explained, "There is a lot of water on earth, including 97 percent of sea water, 2 percent of ice at the north and south poles, and less than 1 percent of the water we currently use." Erik's presentation was followed by an explanation from Panda Mobile volunteer Nabila. She expressed concern about the current condition of clean water. "The behavior of littering makes the water in our environment more dirty, so it cannot be used," said Nabila.
After the explanation about water from the volunteers, the children were invited to learn about water quality. At first, the volunteers showed water with dirty and polluted conditions. "Sis, what is that moving around in the water?" asked Gema, one of the education participants. Panda Mobile Volunteer Syifa said that the water contained bacteria. "So, if you want to use water, you should pay attention, don't drink raw water because it can cause stomach pain!" added Syifa.
The next event prepared by the volunteer team was games. The children couldn't wait for this session. Participants were invited to learn about Sumatran tigers and sea turtles through the traditional game of cranklek. All the children were very enthusiastic while playing and learning about these umbrella animals. In between games, the Panda Mobile team did not forget to convey educational messages. "Did you know that tigers are one of the endangered animals?" asked Annisa, a Panda Mobile volunteer. The question was followed by an explanation from Gadis, an HSBC volunteer, about the threats that haunt tigers. "Apart from poaching, the decline in the tiger population is due to the decreasing forest area. In addition, the lack of clean water makes it difficult for tigers to drink. So, let's protect the water!" said Gadis.
At the end of the event, Kak Ryan was present to tell a story about a Sumatran Elephant looking for clean water in the forest. All the children were very enthusiastic as they followed the story of the largest land mammal's adventure to find a drink. "I'm sad, now the river water is little and dirty. This must be the work of bad humans!" said kak Ryan, representing the elephant's heart. Kak Ryan advised the children at RPTRA Betawi Ngumpul to start an environmentally friendly lifestyle, one way is to use clean water wisely.
The manager of RPTRA Betawi Ngumpul, Mrs. Elvia, is grateful for the educational visit from the WWF-Indonesia team and HSBC volunteers this time. "I hope this positive activity can continue again at RPTRA Betawi Ngumpul," said Mrs. Elvia.