Fujairah youngsters pitch in
Emirate cleans up while spreading awareness about the environment
FUJAIRAH // “We came to collect rubbish to save the environment,” said Saud Ahmad as she helped her friends fill plastic bags with litter found on Umbrella Beach.
The four-year-old Emirati was one of 700 youngsters who gathered at the beauty spot yesterday for the clean- up organised by Fujairah Municipality’s public services and environment department.
The two-week campaign will cover six locations in Fujairah, Merbeh, Masafi, Al Taween Al Hayl and Thoban. Organisers expect to collect around 20 tonnes of rubbish.
Marwa Al Ameer, a KG1 teacher at Fujairah Islamic Scientific Academy, one of the 35 schools participating, said students were familiar with the environmental issues and sustainability. “They all know how to protect the en- vironment and the importance of keeping it clean as we demonstrate it through short stories, games and cartoons,” said Ms Al Ameer. “The pupils were very excited and helped in collecting plastic bags and empty cans that were left at the beach.”
The youngsters collected empty bottles, discarded barbecue equipment, plastics, wooden sticks, dead fish and fishing net.
“I don’t know why people leave garbage behind, there are many waste containers but still they throw it on the ground and in the water,” said Karem Mohammed, an 11-year-old Egyptian.
“I suggest they fine each person who doesn’t care about the environment and throws rubbish.”
His friend Jamal Ahmad said they had found a lot of old fishing net and metal foil. “These things won’t dissolve and definitely will harm the fish. People should be aware of the consequences of such acts and how this will affect us and the next generations.”
About 25 pupils from Al Bahar Elementary School participated.
“Leaving garbage and litter behind after enjoying the beach can harm the marine life and cause fish to leave, which will affect our lives and health,” said Fatima Murad, a 10- year- old Emirati.
Science teacher Muna Mohammed said the events tied in with the school’s curriculum.
“We reached to the pollution lesson so it’s good to demonstrate what they are learning and engage them in campaigns that help them understand the concept better and be helpful.”
Ahmad Salamah, environmen- tal awareness coordinator at the municipality, said the campaign was part of UAE National Environment Day activities to raise public awareness about recycling and waste management.
“As part of the Year of Giving we launched this campaign.
The campaign runs until February 27.