UCSI Schools Group proudly marked a significant milestone in hosting the Teens4CAP National World Soil Day Competition from 21st September to 14th November 2022 for primary, secondary schools and alternative education centres. Teens4CAP stands for “Teens for Climate Action for Peace”, aiming to promote SDG 4 Quality and Inclusive Education, in line with the United Nations SDGs theme of “Leave No One Behind”.

For World Soil Day 2022, the theme was “Soils: Where food begins”. This was the UCSI Schools’ flagship event, one of three events registered on the Malaysian map for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. This competition was first initiated and sponsored by The Blue Ribbon (TBR) Global with the support of UCSI Schools and UCSI Group SDG Secretariat Office in December 2020. The event was also made possible through the patronage of Ms. Norani Abu Bakar, founder of TBR Global, who championed advocating soil regeneration and educating youth on the importance of soil.

This was the second time the UCSI Schools Group organised this national competition, approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and acknowledged by the United Nations University for promoting Education for Sustainable Development. The National World Soil Day Celebration 2022 was an exciting event that celebrated the importance of healthy soil and showcased the creativity of youth in soil painting. Held on 3rd December 2022 at the UCSI International School Springhill campus and live-streamed on the school’s Facebook page, the competition attracted a record-breaking 1583 student participants from 192 schools and 11 alternative education centres across 12 states and three federal territories.

It was an inspiring and educational event to remember and a testament to creative initiatives’ impact when raising awareness about important environmental issues. After the award ceremony, guests were invited to plant 12 fruit trees around the school, sponsored by the Malaysian Nature Society, and to pledge their commitment to protecting the soil by hand-printing soil on canvas.

The enthusiasm and engagement of the students in the activities were truly remarkable! We were delighted to witness the United Nations Food Aid Organization (FAO) featuring highlights from the event on their Flickr page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/faooftheun/albums/72177720304438443/page12

Congratulations to the winners and to all the students who participated in the soil painting competitions. It was a pleasure to witness their creativity and passion.

We extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Yang Berhormat Puan Nicole Tan Lee Koon, Negeri Sembilan State Executive Councillor for Women Affairs and Welfare, for her gracious presence at this event, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd. Nor a UCSI University Council member for launching this event virtually.

We would also like to show our appreciation to our partners – Regional Centre of Expertise Greater Kuala Lumpur (RCE GKL), Blue Ribbon Global, Teens4CAP, UCSI Group SDG Secretariat Office, Potato Productions, ElShaddai Refugee Learning Centre (ERCL), Malaysian Nature Society, and Parastoo Theatre – for involving the whole Malaysian community in a big way.

Finally, we would like to recognise the UCSI Schools management team, support staff, marketing team, teachers and students for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. Thank you!

Written by:
Kumutha Chelliah
Teens4CAP National World Soil Day Project Manager

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