The Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO) launched 25 school clubs last Friday in Region 5, Mahaicony/ Berbice.
The ECHO clubs were established at schools in Ithaca, Blairmont, Cotton Tree, No.5, No.8, Bath, Hopetown, Zealand, Mortice, Biaboo, No.29, District No.10, Karamat, De Hoop, Abary and Novar.
A release from ECHO said that the objectives of the clubs are to raise awareness on environmental issues; to provide ‘Green Education’ for children and young adults; to organise children in structured groups to take leadership on environmental issues; and to improve the aesthetics of school yards, and local communities.
At the launch, Adrianus Vlugman, representing PAHO/WHO, in brief remarks encouraged the children to be environmentally alert and to care for the natural environment. He said that PAHO/WHO was supporting the efforts of ECHO to advance the clubs in schools. He encouraged the children to think about recycling and composting. He urged them to keep their surroundings clean and tidy at all times.
Executive Director of ECHO, Royston King said the vision was to establish a network of clubs throughout Guyana to facilitate environmental awareness. He noted that the clubs would not be sanitation clubs but rather will focus on awareness and environmental wholeness in three areas: water conservation, solid waste management, and climate change.
King said the clubs will also develop leadership skills in the children. He charged the newly formed groups to be good leaders in their schools and to be excellent in their attitude towards the environment. He encouraged them to read and be properly informed about all that is taking place in the environment.
