Water Research Learning Program at Wadi Al Wurraiya, Fujairah

Eco Leaders of Ittihad Private School - Mamzar

Live a scientific experience and declare that

“The Water has no color but it makes our lives colorful”

Under the able guidance of Mrs. Amna Mohammad Rafi - Director General and leadership of Mrs. Momina Ahmad – Head of Activity/ Environment along with her dynamic team of active and dedicated eco squad members (students and staff) a series of environmental activities had been organized in alignment with the Eco Schools Program conducted by EWS-WWF with full fervor and integrity.

After winning laurels such as:

• The DEWA – KHDA Conservation Award 2013 for the Best Conservation Team,

• 2nd position in the DEWA-KHDA Conservation Award for 2014. All our students and whole school faculty members collectively reduced electricity and water consumption by 7% and 18% respectively.

• 1st Prize - Mico Project, Eco Schools Program 2014.

The young eco ambassadors of the Elementary Section of Al Ittihad Private School, Mamzar, added yet another feather in its cap by winning the World Day of Action – UAE (WDA) competition (Energy Saving Days) that was launched in February 2014 by EWS-WWF in UAE and took a momentous step towards achieving a sustainable environment across the campus.(Eco Schools Program. As a reward the two Winning schools from UAE such as Al Ittihad Private School, Al Mamzar and Delhi Private School, Sharjah got the opportunity to take 5 students (16 years and above) and one teacher each from 8th to 12th November, 2014 to Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah to become research assistants and help EWS-WWF scientists research the biodiversity.

The five Eco Leaders of grade 11 volunteered to participate in the Water Research Project in Wadi Al Wuraiyah, Fujairah:

Sultan Ayoub Al Zarouni, Ahmad Abdullah Al Marri, Abdulla Bin Yaroof, Said Obeid Al Hathboor, Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Sheikh accompanied by Mr. Munir Ahmad Abdullah - Lab Technician, stayed in a camp along with the volunteer students and teacher from Delhi Private School, Sharjah for a week at Al wurrayaa Valley Natural Preserve.

They were accompanied by experts from EWS- WWF- UAE and Earthwatch organization to have a practical experience and be part of the UAE Wildlife Association project. The event was supported by Al Fujairah Municipality and sponsored by HSBC Bank.

After their arrival, the students started sharing their unique adventure:

• Sultan Ayoub AlZarouni from Grade 11BB declares:

I will never forget this experience; we learned practical lessons and met with experts from all around the world. First, the experts welcomed us, and they gave us a valuable feedback and valuable information about al wurrayaa valley, that we used to consider as a beautiful place with wonderful views. But they made us realize that it is a true natural fortune for our country, because, several species of mammals, birds,

reptiles and amphibians and invertebrates, live in this preserve that is considered as the first Mountain preserve in the UAE, and the most important environmental zone for EWS-WWF. This place became a research center, after closing it to the public.

It really was an amazing and fruitful experience.

• Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Sheikh adds:

I learned a lot, this was a life changing experience, now I advice my parents and relatives and friends, to consume water wisely and to preserve the environment and the natural resources. We have been chosen to spread awareness among students and to share UAE’s Wildlife vision and goals with everyone.

• Ahmad Abdullah Al Marri says:

We now felt more responsible towards our country, we learned that protecting natural resources is cheaper than any other project, we only need to preserve them. Our country spends a tremendous amount of money to purify ad desalinate drinking water, while we have water springs and cascade in this preserve and although the water is colorless, it colors our lives.

• Said Obeid Al Hathboor:

He Spoke about a study and solution finding to the extinction of the Animals in this natural reserve. He mentioned the foot trails of the Pure Arabic Panther, which is a kind of gazelles, and the interest of the Emirate’s Association to revive this region with all the plants and animals as it used to be.

• Abdullah Obaid Bin Yaarouf:

This is our first experience as school’s eco squad, in living and dealing directly with nature as rocks and water, we also had to see the mineral spring water in the state.

This trip has made a change in our perception towards University choices. We loved it!

The Director General of Ittihad Private School – Mamzar, Mrs Amna Rafie, spoke about the experience that the students gained during this educational trip. She said that the practical application of acquired knowledge, registering for the scientific programs is of a great benefit to the students. Such programs involving collaboration with schools and organizations results in the enhancement of educational programs by sharing and learning thus benefiting students, schools and community at large.

Mr Munir Ahmad Abdullah who accompanied the students in this journey affirmed that it was in spite of the difficulties they faced, a pleasant and very interesting experience.The students safety was the main concern due to the fact that this area is crowded with insects and reptiles. The Students learned how to test water for salts and minerals, and were able to monitor closely, the development of some water living creatures.

They also got to know the different types of rocks. It was an amazing experience that inspired us to organize more of these field trips in the future. The school tries to develop the understanding of the Eco concept and research by these visits and activities.

Mrs. Momina Ahmad (Head of Activity/Health/Safety/Environment) stated that the event was an enriching opportunity for the students to gain real life experience, relate their knowledge and learning about serious environmental issues to real life situations. She also, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of this event – EWS-WWF, Earthwatch and HSBC for providing this platform to our students thus enabling them to contribute as future environmentalist in achieving a sustainable environment.

Also, she thanked Eco Schools Program coordinators for all their support and guidance throughout their eco journey which facilitated in raising environmental awareness across the school community.