By: Dessy Nathalia Johanis (Volunteer Panda Mobile Papua)

At the beginning of 2017, WWF-Indonesia Papua office through Panda Mobile Papua spread the conservation virus to elementary school children at SDN Inpres Kartika Sentani located in Jayapura Regency. With the spirit of the beginning of the year, the Panda Mobile team greeted the students on Thursday (12/01). Enthusiasm and warm welcome were not only shown by the students but also from the teachers.

On this occasion, the volunteers invited students of SDN Inpres Kartika Sentani, especially those in grades 4, 5, and 6 to learn about sustainable living, the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recyle), and learning about forests and the sea. At the beginning of the meeting, the volunteers introduced WWF-Indonesia, WWF Papua program, and the duties of the WWF volunteers.

The material presented was packaged in a language that is easy to understand. To make the activity more interesting, the students were invited to practice the 3R concept by making lanterns from used goods and pencil cases from used plastic drinking bottles. The Panda Mobile team also showed several videos about forest destruction in Indonesia due to human activities. To prove how far the students understand the material that has been delivered, volunteers also asked a few questions. It turned out that all students managed to answer. Messages such as "we take care of the forest, the forest takes care of us", "my sea today and forever" were the closing messages that the students hopefully will continue to remember.

Not only getting information about the environment, the students were also invited to play and learn through a forest-themed snakes and ladders game. Through this game, students gain insight into the forest and the animals that live in it. They were asked to take part in protecting the forest, especially the Cycloop Forest which is located near where they live. In addition, they are invited to maintain cleanliness, be it at home, their neighborhood, school, or wherever they are by not littering.

The Panda Mobile Papua team will continue to spread the message to care more about the environment in various communities. The activity at SDN Inpres Kartika Sentani is a good start and will continue to other schools.