As the world celebrates World Environment Day, the students of Keys School Manila are shining examples of how to be passionate advocates and responsible stewards of our planet. From a very young age, our students understand the importance of environmental conservation and are taking meaningful actions to protect the natural world around them.
At the heart of their efforts is a deep appreciation for how the environment sustains all life on Earth. The Yao siblings articulated this idea powerfully. "We need to help our environment so it's safe for us humans to live on earth," said Sharlene Yao, recognizing that a healthy environment is critical for human wellbeing. Her brother Christian emphasized that "without water, we will die of thirst" and stressed that regrowing trees is vital since "without them we won't be able to breathe."
Green thumbs in the making! The Yao kids water and look after the family's potted plants.
Photo © Christian and Sharlene Yao
The Yaos don't just preach environmental values - they put them into practice through simple but impactful actions at home. Sharlene shared that their family makes an effort to water plants regularly. Christian noted they take care of fish and plants, nurturing life in their own micro-environments. Caring for plant and animal life, no matter how small, instills a sense of responsibility for the natural world.
The Ng siblings also highlighted easy eco-friendly habits that can make a big difference. Mira urged everyone to "turn off the faucet while brushing teeth" and "unplug electrical devices when not in use" to conserve precious resources. She made an impassioned call: "Let us do our part in taking care of the environment so that others will do so too. By doing simple things to save the environment, we can help the next generation!"
The Ng siblings prove that small, sustainable habits at home can create big environmental impact.
Photo © Mira and Max Ng
Her brother Max echoed this: "Help save the environment by turning off the lights when not in use and by not littering." He rightfully pointed out that all it takes is individuals being conscious of their daily habits and spreading awareness to create a shift towards sustainability.
The examples from the Yao and Ng siblings demonstrate how kids can be empowered to care for the environment from an early age. At Keys School, environmental education isn't just something taught in textbooks - it's put into practice each and every day through small actions that add up to real impact.
By embodying sustainability in their daily lives and homes, our students are proving they don't need to wait to be adults to start protecting the planet. They understand with striking clarity that the future health of the environment is directly tied to the future of humanity itself. Their passion, ingenuity, and care for all living things gives us hope that the next generation of environmental stewards is already taking the lead.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, the Keys School community couldn't be prouder of our students for being leaders in environmental conservation. We are committed to continuing to nurture their love for nature and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental challenges now and in the future. Our students are the catalysts for creating a more sustainable world!