In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals pertaining to “Zero Hunger” and “Life on Land”, it is INTI’s intention to promote and educate the young on conservation of the environment and to inculcate Greener practices since the beginning of the year. Hence, the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences took up the challenge to carry out a vegetable planting activity at Q-Dees Eco Majestic at Semenyih with the aim to educate the younger generation on the importance of growing their own food and to instill in them the mindset to reduce food wastage starting with the idea that they should try not to waste their meals.
The event was overseen by AP Dr. Cheng Wan Hee, Dr. Yuka Hara and Dr. Loh Shin King with the support of students from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Approximately 140 preschool students between the ages of three to six of different ethnicity and backgrounds along with their teachers were involved with children in the event. There was an ice-breaking session conducted by 10 students from the BBTEI program (BTE4221) which was warmly received by the children as they learnt about hydroponic planting methods. The children were also informed about the importance of access to sufficient and nutritious food and the need to promote sustainable practices to achieve these goals.
The activity was supported by one of the co-organizers, East West Seed Malaysia Sdn. Bhd who supplied vegetable seeds for the event and explained the various methods of planting to the participants. Based on the verbal communication and feedback received from both the children and their parents they were looking forward to future activities which would help raise the awareness of the children on food security and develop their interest to cultivate their own vegetable planting. The principal of the kindergarten was also keen to pursue future collaborations with INTI International University to educate children on how they too can learn to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of the ecosystem.