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Learning how to preserve our planet starts young at Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep). Ava Rose, eight, is one of the leaders of Eco Team, an exemplary multi-age student society in the British school that was second in the world to be accredited with the Green Flag, the highest Eco Schools Award.
One of Ava Rose’s main projects was to build a bird feeder with her team-mate Reuben, to shelter baby birds and make it easier for them to find food. “I really wanted to try and help to save the animals, especially the sea animals, because generally a lot of the plastics end up in the ocean,” Ava Rose says. “I really liked the turtles and dolphins because they’re so cute. They think plastic bags are jellyfish, so they eat them, but this makes them get sick and die.”
Even at this tender age, students are exposed to various fun facts and knowledge. Ava Rose recalls a Ted Talk that mentioned the first straw any of us have ever used is still on the earth or ocean. Students even know the names of different trees, plants, and animals that surround their school in the context of their environment. This way, they become more cognisant of what’s around them and what they should protect. “If you know the names of trees when you’re walking amongst them, you have more ownership of it, and you want to take care of it,” adds Madeleine, Ava Rose’s mother.
This awareness of the environment has translated into Ava Rose becoming a more conscious global citizen. Madeleine notes that she has noticed a marked difference in her daughter. “We were in Pattaya for a holiday where the beach was a bit messy and she says, ‘Mummy, we’ve gotta clean up the beach’,” Madeleine says. “What I found really impressive was that she’s not just aware when she’s just in school or in Eco Club, but she’s also really conscious about being environmentally friendly when we’re out and about.”
Lots of brainstorming on how to preserve our planet. Source: Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
As students progress through Bangkok Prep, sustainability becomes a habit rather than an overwhelming mission; it becomes second nature. For Kiri Furukawa, who’s set to graduate this year, joining the Eco Team was a chance to engage in rewarding small events like creating DIY suncatchers using recycled materials.
“Following my experiences gained through this programme, I would like to continue taking part in similar projects at university, where I can work to make even the smallest differences possible with those with similar interests and goals,” she says. “I want to make the world a better place not only for the convenience of us humans but for mother nature too.”
At one point, Furukawa was the face of the Eco Team, serving as Assistant Head Student of Enrichment. It showed her she could create an impact. “This, along with the official student leadership position that I hold, has definitely helped me get my message across to the community to raise awareness not only of the environmental issues that exist in the world nowadays but also of the work that the Eco Team has been putting into try solve these issues,” she says.
Bangkok Prep has been effective in preparing its students to become tomorrow’s climate heroes. In the same graduating class as Furukawa, Samridh Jain has joined a social enterprise called Rescued Glass, which collects and up-cycles waste glass products.
“From the products we sell, the profit made will be given to a charity of our choosing,” he says. “My role in addressing environmental issues has increased as I am not only trying to make a difference in my school’s community but am also trying to make a difference outside.”
Bangkok Prep prepares students to become tomorrow’s climate heroes. Source: Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
Some of the Eco Team projects make an impact on the school as a whole. Jain mentions an initiative called the 10% challenge, where the school worked on reducing its electricity and water usage by 10% while competing with other schools.
“This project has increased the awareness of our students and teachers as they are more conscious about turning off the lights and the air conditioners in their classrooms when they leave,” he says. “Through small steps like these being made, we will be able to save electricity in the longer term allowing us to take a more sustainable step towards the future.”
Teachers play an important role in helping students see and own not only the effects of a warming planet but also their education. The main reason Madeleine chose Bangkok Prep for her daughter was because she knew that the teachers were not only highly qualified but also dedicated to children’s growth.
“They actually really care about each individual child,” she says. “I feel the teachers give me a lot of feedback on how Ava Rose is doing. They’re always there to answer any questions or concerns that I have, whether it’s education or social side as well. They’re always there to support not only the child but also you as well.”
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