16th of feb - by Marie Ann Lee
The past couple of weeks have been the most stressful ever. Personally, it’s been the busiest period of my life being a graduating student and all, and adding to the bulk of school work expected of me was planning for the Solar Generation activity at St. Scholastica’s Academy with the other SG volunteers namely Manang Rochelle, Manong Jude, Val, Nikki, Khrisna, Ysabelle, Dee, Lauren, Jamie, and Ella. We scheduled it to be in line with the celebration of the school’s academy days. Our aim and main objective was to make more young people aware of the real effects of climate change and to make them realize that they can do something about it.
The day commenced with the opening of the booths and one of those was our very own Greenpeace-Solar Generation booth. Complete with the exhibits, the mural, and of course, the Solar Trailer. (Towing courtesy of Dee.) Having started setting up the day before, we only needed to do the finishing touches. (Well, it was mostly Albert and Manong Frank who did the bulk of it. :])
That day, we surely hit many birds with just one stone. The curiosity of students, teachers, and even parents alike, were triggered as to what the display was all about. Each one of us took turns in elucidating the impacts and the culprits of climate change, as well as the ways on how we can help stop it. We did not only spread the good word about clean energy, but we also promoted energy efficiency, awareness of the Kyoto Protocol and in the process, gathered new and enthusiastic members.
On the last day of the academy days, the SSA seniors held a benefit gig in cooperation with Solar Generation, SICOP, and Killerbee 106.3. The gig was intended to raise funds for the Sikatuna Elementary School in Isabela, and at the same time promote clean and renewable energy as an alternative to dirty energy projects. The gig was another example of the “Solar Fun” that we volunteers get to have while at “work”. Non-SSA volunteers like Manang Jed, Manong Jude, Niel, and Count were also present at the said affair.
So to end this short recap, I’d dare say that all the Saturday meetings, all the preparations, all the lobbying, and all the times in having to put up with the demands of Albert, ALL OF THOSE -- well let’s just say at the end of the day, they all paid off. I am optimistic that this will be the start for better and brighter things, not only for the students of St. Scho but also for all those who believe that clean and renewable energy can help save our earth.