By Sohan Daniel Singh (22S06P), Chairperson and Sharmaine Lim (22S06F), Vice-Chairperson
Singapore has finally announced its Green Plan with ambitious targets, such as planting 1 million more trees by 2030 and quadrupling solar energy deployment by 2025. This is exciting news for all of us and is indeed heartening to hear, as it reaffirms the importance of environmental conservation and all our work.
At Raffles One Earth, we wish to contribute to this. We look forward to playing our part in our own small ways to make Singapore’s goal to be environmentally sustainable one step closer to reality. While we may not be able to effect grand changes, which require time, we wish to instil a sense of urgency and agency within each Rafflesian and beyond through our student-led initiatives. We aim to empower individuals with knowledge on what they can do as an individual, and allow them to realise that they too have the power to be the change they want to see.
Now, you may be thinking, “Well, this is all nice and good, but do such small changes matter? After all, I am but 1 among 5.6 million individuals in Singapore, my actions make no difference.”
This is not true. At Raffles One Earth, your individual efforts will have a significant impact—you have the power to influence your peers through your 1.5 years in the CCA. We aim to change the behaviour of and inspire further advocacy in our peers through our various events, the mainstay being Ecoweek.
Ecoweek is an annual event which aims to raise the awareness of Rafflesians regarding matters related to the environment. The topics vary each year—and you have the autonomy to choose the topic you wish to educate Rafflesians on! Raffles One Earth has persisted through challenges and curveballs—the physical Ecoweek has transitioned to an online one in view of the pandemic—and you will also have the chance to showcase your adaptability should any future challenges crop up!
Apart from Ecoweek, you can let your creativity run free and bring any event ideas you have to life! We have had a myriad of events through the years ,with sustainable fashion shows with Raffles Runway, and eco-themed Escape Rooms (including an online one) being recurring favourites.
You will also have the ability to organise Student-Initiated-Projects to fulfil additional niche passions you may have! Past projects include our Water Conservation Workshop held in Zhonghua Primary School, in which we educated primary school students on the importance of water conservation in Singapore and encouraged them to take up water conservation habits. We have also carried out similar workshops focused on recycling and plastic waste.
Does all this sound daunting? Fear not! You will have the support of your like-minded peers and seniors to guide you through the seemingly scary tasks of event planning and idea brainstorming.
You need not worry about sessions being intensive and draining too! One Earth is a place for us to relax while pursuing the meaningful passion which bonds us together. Games and bonding activities are not unheard of, and sessions are not too work-intensive as a significant focus is placed on group discussion! Our friendly Teacher-Mentor, Ms May Wong, will also guide you through the difficulties, so there’s nothing to worry about!
We don’t need you to be prominent and passionate environmentalists like Boyan Slat and Greta Thunberg. No prior experience in related fields is required, all we ask for is a passion for the environment!
We look forward to you joining us at our weekly 1.75 hour sessions, which are from 3.45pm – 5.30pm on Tuesdays!
*Cover image taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures.
