By Kesor Norin Heng
It was delightful to see over 70 passionate candidates recently competing to join this year’s Eco Council at Northbridge International School Cambodia. From 4th graders to 11th graders, every person shared their values during their speechin the hope of becoming a member of the Eco Committee.
The Eco-School program 'encourages young people to engage in their environment by allowing them opportunities to actively protect it.' We aim to follow through the seven steps to create incremental change to achieve the Green Flag and become an Eco-School.
On 22 August 2022, the Eco Council held its first ever election for roles of President, Vice President and other respective roles. How did the speeches go? We heard speeches from ambitious, enthusiastic and passionate disciples of sustainability who are determined to become change makers at NISC. Although each person presented a different set of values, everyone shared a common goal; their love for the environment.
Students expressed their concerns about the “polluted and waste-filled environment” as well as their desires to create a “plastic-free, green and sustainable” school; not only for the Northbridge community but for their surroundings as a whole.
We wish for a fruitful year for the Eco-Council and we are looking forward to their achievements in the coming years!
Congratulations to the following students for being voted into the Eco Committee:
President: Ameera Eng
Vice President: Emily Khiev
Treasurer: Chan Thida Heng,
Communications: Kesor Noring Heng (Mei Mei)
PYP Lead: Chansofie Chea
MYP Lead: Veasna Heng
DP: King Touch
Events Manager: Weiming Chen
MYP and DP Representatives: Kaian Ostheimer-Heald, Maha Sereiy Sure Sedeiy Heng, Kahabadeiy Heng,
Mayumi Escubil, Chaewon Yang
PYP Representatives: Siana Ostheimer-Heald, Sereiy Mangkol Heng, Emily Bun, Sihakreach Naleng, Lychhean Thay
The other week I was in Bangkok at the ASAC Basketball Tournament that is open for Grade 6 – 8 students from 9 competing schools across South East Asia. It gave me some time to reflect on the benefits and opportunities that our Northbridge students can access that will develop them holistically and physically.
Academic excellence is at the forefront of education, and whilst our duty as teachers is to foster this, we also have the responsibility to open students’ eyes to the wider world and their social responsibility within it.
Service- learning, or service as action, combines in school learning with supporting local communities, encouraging students to independently research local issues and take action to support those in need.
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues around the world. It is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is uniting with partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work.
Student leadership is a cornerstone of personal and community growth. By developing leadership skills early on, students gain confidence, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others—qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.
