Ministry gives out six eco-school awards
HALF a dozen primary and high schools in six provinces were granted 2019 Eco-Schools Awards at an event at the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday.
A ministry report received by The Post on Thursday said Svay Chrum Primary School in Svay Rieng province and Hun Sen Oddar Meanchey High School in Oddar Meanchey province won Gold Awards.
Kiri Sovann Vong primary school in Kampong Chhnang province and 28 Makara High School in Siem Reap province received Silver Awards, the report said, while Hun Sen Russey
Chroy Primary School in Kandal province and Pich Chenda High School in Battambang won Bronze Awards.
The ministry’s technical committee announced that two to four million riel ($500-$1,000) would be granted to the award winners.
Minister of Environment Say Sam Al said in the event: “The eco-school competition is not about looking down on the schools that didn’t receive awards. We want it to motivate all schools to care about protecting and preserving the environment.
“Plus, it is also a good opportunity for everyone to share each other’s knowledge and experience,” he said.
The competition was founded by the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and it aims to recognise the exemplary efforts of schools in inculcating environmental awareness in every aspect of education in their students and surrounding communities.
In early May, 18 schools entered the competition, and the six award winners were assessed by the technical committee as being “model schools” having made great efforts to improve their school environment through environmental training programmes and by fostering environmental awareness in the local community.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport under-secretary of state Ton Sa Im said eco-schools reflected the attention paid by the government to environmental issues.
“This programme not only encourages students and teachers within schools but also local communities, so it needs the cooperation of parents, authorities and all stakeholders,” she said.
Pich Chenda High School director Pech Choeurt told The Post on Thursday after receiving the bronze medal that he and the school board had come up with more environmental plans for inclusion in the school and community education programmes.
“By doing this, we can help attract the attention of all stakeholders, especially parents, and encourage them to be environmentally aware and help protect our natural resources and preserve biodiversity.
“Our school committee aims to win the Gold Award in next year’s competition, and we’ve already discussed and prepared the documentation for the new school year,” he said.
Sam Al said he would like to see more public and private educational institutions involved in promoting and raising awareness of the environment and natural resources in Cambodia, as well as more entrants in next year’s competition.