(Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
“Did you see anything that doesn’t belong to Mother Nature?”
“Glass bottles, plastic bags and plastic bottles,” answered some children eagerly.
These children were students from the Tzu Chi Parent-Child Bonding Class. They were having their annual outing with their parents at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, accompanied by Tzu Chi volunteers. The key message for the participants of this year’s outing was to encourage recycling and a reduction in the use of plastic materials.
On 23rd June 2019, at around 9am, the group of children and adults arrived at the Wetland Reserve, which serves as a home and resting spot for a variety of wildlife species. Before the hike, the group listened attentively as the Tzu Chi volunteers briefed them on things to take note of at the nature reserve, so that they could have a better experience.
Due to an overwhelming response to the event, the big group of parents and children were divided into six small groups, with each embarking on a different trail in the nature reserve.
The adults hold the children’s hands as they cross a bridge together. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
An icebreaker game to get everyone warmed up before the activity (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
Parents and volunteers explaining to the children about the biodiversity of the wetland. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
Co-existing with Mother Earth through environmental protection
“Although that plastic bag might have been disposed properly, a gust of wind might have blown it here,” explained a Tzu Chi volunteer as she pointed at a stray plastic bag, while the team was hiking in the wetland.
Everyone could not help but catch a glimpse of a crocodile that had suddenly appeared. The volunteers took the opportunity to explain how both animals and human beings are inter-related in the environment and highlighted the importance of co-existing with Mother Earth through practising environmental protection. They also hushed the kids when their excited voices grew too loud.
Everyone stops short in their track upon noticing a unique creature. (Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
During the hike, everyone had the opportunity to ascend an observation tower that was situated in midst of a lush mangrove forest. From the top of the tower, they could peer at the opposite shore of Malaysia and spot different migratory and local birds. The volunteers also described how the mangrove forest plays a significant role in maintaining biodiversity and how it serves to protect our coastline.
Family time strengthens kinship bonds
In a bustling, modern city like Singapore, most children are not short of contact with electronic devices. However, many of them rarely have the chance step out into nature.
For Mdm Zhong Mei Jing, it was her first time attending “an outdoor lesson” with her two children, and her interactions with her kids reflected their close bonds. The “outdoor lesson” was an eye-opener for her. She was pleasantly surprised by how it was conducted and enjoyed it very much.
During the trip, she allowed her son, 9-year-old Chen Jing Hong, to explore the nature reserve himself. The curious and energetic boywas undeterred by the new surroundings. He could not help but examine and take photos of every unique creature to show to his mother. The mother and son had a lot of fun as they learned from each other.
“I only want to teach my children the best things,” said Mdm Zhong Mei Jing, while hoping that more people, regardless of their age, would do recycling to protect the environment.
The outing was more of a family time for Mr Mo Zhi Qiangand his family. Mr Mo specially took time off from his busy work schedule so that he could spend time with his 7-year-old son, Jin Han. The little boy was over the moon during the trip as he had the opportunity to see many unique creatures in Sungei Buloh which he had not come across before.
Children peering at the water, hoping to catch a rare sight of the mudskippers. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
“Don’t wander too far off. If you see a snake, stay calm and don't run,” Mo reminded his son.
“I like the mudskipper the most!” Jin Han exclaimed as he held his mother’s (Yao Pei Yi) hand. His father took the opportunity to educate him about the different animals they spotted among the mangroves.
Mdm Yao also shared that she liked how the class was conducted as after all, children nowadays spend very little time outdoors.
Mr Mo Zhi Qiang (right) holding his son’s hand as they hike through the nature reserve. (Photo by Chai Yu Leong)
Through this outing, family bonds were strengthened, and it brought home the message that by protecting our planet, we can protect our homes. (Photo by Lee Foo Mun)
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