It was a very proud day for me recently as I presented the indigenous Bathin Sembilan children who attend our mobile school with uniforms. The school has been running for nearly a year and was set up to give the indigenous children in and around Harapan Rainforest the opportunity to get an education; which otherwise they would not get. In April our mobile school received the attention of the District Education Office, which is now working with us to give these children the opportunity to get the same qualifications as children in mainstream education. So far, more than 40 pupils learn at two different sites on the edge of Harapan Rainforest. They are a pleasure to teach as they show such enthusiasm to learn. It was lovely to to see their faces light up when we gave them their new uniforms.
The normally quiet Harapan Rainforest recently became a hive of activity when over 400 school children arrived in camp to assist in a day of tree planting. They came from eight different schools in the local area and also included the indigenous children who are taught through our mobile schools. The idea behind the project is to create a green community with a better understanding of the environment and the importance of protecting the rainforest. The children and teachers helped Harapan Rainforest project staff plant nearly 5,000 native trees and the children were also invited to take part in many other activities, including games, poetry reading and painting. The day was a real success and there was such a great atmosphere in camp. We are planning on holding many more of these planting days with the local community.