Giving LIFE to a new generation of environmentalists in the Philippines

The Nagbalayong Elementary School playground in the central region of the Philippines is livelier than usual as scores of bright-eyed children excitedly recall the afternoon’s events.

The humpback whale video was the best!” said one. “I liked the one on marine turtles,” said another.

The kids, and their teachers, have just taken part in LIFE (Learning Inter-dependently for the Environment), one of WWF-Philippines’ most dynamic programmes to bolster environmental awareness among the country’s youth.

“Project LIFE teaches students the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Obel Resurreccion, Environmental Education Officer at WWF-Philippines.

“We believe that today’s youth, being future stewards of our natural resources, are the key to the nation’s future.”

Formally launched in May 1999, LIFE — a traveling exhibition, lecture and activity centre all rolled into one — tours coastal communities and major cities throughout the Philippines.

Complete with multi-media equipment and educational materials, including a scale model set of endangered species like the whale shark, bottlenose dolphin and green turtle, children of all ages take part in a range of activities — sketching, origami, painting or sculpting clay animals, as well as listening to the sounds of a humpback whales singing and role playing.

A day in the life of LIFE
LIFE typically begins with curious onlookers from the local community as the project’s distinctively painted van pulls into a school or town plaza. Curiosity, however, quickly leads to excitement as a fun-filled day of activities gets underway.

“LIFE caters to all levels, from pre-school to college,” explains Resurreccion. “A tour usually consists of interactive exhibits, videos, games and lectures around key environmental issues like coastal conservation, over-fishing, endangered species protection and climate change.”

“I just love teaching children,” she adds. “Their minds are so open, so inventive, that it takes no time at all to stir up their imagination.”

From jam-packed shopping malls to remote secluded islands, the travelling environmental show goes just about everywhere. Resurreccion admits, however, that conditions can be rough.

“Some schools are inaccessible or lack ample equipment and classrooms, but we always find ways to win the crowd over.”

To date, 100,000 school children in 900 schools in the Philippines have taken part through the LIFE programme.

Winning hearts and minds
Always well received by the communities and local government, LIFE is aimed at changing people’s outlook on nature.

“The project has made us realize that each of us should do our part in taking care of the sea, for so many people depend on it for food,” says Kathrina Palma, a high school student from Puerto Galera.

The bonds created through the programme are far-reaching,” Resurreccion adds. “Familiar faces still greet me when we return to the sites, even after several years.”

And it’s not just students who are paying attention. Numerous local communities have equally been spurred into action. Fox example, after Project LIFE toured the southern city of Davao in 2006, the Davao Gulf Management Council immediately crafted plans to introduce an environmental awareness programme for the community based on the LIFE model.

“This is simply great news,” says Resurreccion. “We are actively seeking new venues and groups to partner with.”

“The engagement and commitment of the youth, nurtured by Project LIFE, will help restore health and productivity to our marine life. We will all benefit from this, now and in the future.”

END NOTES:

• The WWF-Philippines LIFE programme has been made possible through the generous support of Ayala Center, Ayala Land Inc., Hands On Manila, Ang INK, Davao Gulf Management Council, Fuji Xerox Foundation, San Miguel Corporation, Shell Philippines-Project Better World, USAID and WG & A Superferry.