Attending the Jane Goodall Award Ceremony was an inspiring and unforgettable experience for both our students and staff. The highlight of the event was meeting Dr. Jane Goodall herself—her charismatic presence, wisdom, and remarkable journey left a lasting impact on all of us.
Our team proudly set up a beautiful and engaging display of our eco projects, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students. While many of our initiatives remain ongoing on campus, we brought along select projects that could be displayed at the venue. To align with the ceremony’s marine life theme, we designed our booth with a captivating aquarium theme, emphasizing the importance of protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems. As part of our advocacy, we hinted at a campaign to challenge misconceptions about sharks, raising awareness that they are not the true villains of the ocean and highlighting the real threats to marine life. Additionally, we integrated a cultural element into our stall, reminding visitors of the importance of staying connected to our heritage and traditions. A special pearl diving corner was set up to celebrate the UAE’s rich maritime history, drawing connections between sustainability and the wisdom of our ancestors.
A special moment was when our students introduced Viro, our Eco mascot, along with his "Book of Adventures," which documents students' sustainability efforts at home. This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, as it encourages students to take learning beyond the classroom, fostering environmental responsibility and awareness. By sharing their sustainability practices, students promote lifelong learning and inspire their peers to take action for the planet.
Dr. Jane Goodall was delighted to receive her own Viro mascot doll, accompanied by a goodie bag featuring our students' handmade organic lip balm and neem cream, crafted during our Eco Club ECA. This initiative aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, as it promotes the use of natural, biodegradable ingredients and encourages students to develop sustainable business ideas that minimize environmental impact. Through this project, students embrace the concept of a circular economy, reducing waste and using natural resources responsibly.
Our students also had the incredible opportunity to present their "Rain to Resource" project, a concept inspired by the regular student-led DEWA Meter Visits we conduct at school to monitor our energy and water consumption. Through research and innovation, they explored ways to repurpose wasted rainwater into a valuable resource, presenting their ideas in a detailed proposal booklet that Dr. Jane personally received.
Beyond showcasing our own work, we were truly inspired by the experiences and initiatives of other participating schools. It was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and see the incredible impact that young changemakers around the country are making in the field of sustainability.
Perhaps the most heartwarming moment was watching our school’s sustainability achievements video play on the big screen, celebrating the hard work, dedication, and passion of our students in creating a greener future.
This event was not just an award ceremony—it was a moment of inspiration, collaboration, and motivation to continue our journey in environmental stewardship.Â
