E&O group hospitality and lifestyle director Michael Saxon (centre, back row) posing for a group photo with the winning  team.

A treasure hunt specially planned for children was organised by the Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) with Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) as its facilitator recently.

The event provided the opportunity for the children to test their wits and skills.

As part of E&O’s Think Green project, some 146 students from SK Tanjung Tokong, SJK (T) Azad, SJK (C) Hun Bin and SK Convent Pulau Tikus took part.

They were paired in teams of 10 students comprising different backgrounds, the participants tried to communicate with their new friends in different languages as they pondered over the clues and riddles.

The group was put to test on various challenges utilising their skills and knowledge learnt throughout the year-long activity through E&O’s long-term community education programme.

One of the students from SK Convent Pulau Tikus trying to roll down as many cones as possible with a coconut while others look on in excitement.  

Among the challenges were quizzes, physical tests and tasks which required a keen sense of observation to identify and collect specific plants.

The activities were carefully designed to raise awareness and inculcate eco-friendly practices among the young green fingers, in line with the Think Green agenda.

The fun-filled hunt came to an end after two hours of exceptional display of creativity and ingenuity by the students before they were treated to some light refreshment.

The champion took home RM1,000 cash prize and a colouring set each while the teams that came in second and third took home RM550 and RM330 cash prizes respectively as well as a colouring set each.

E&O group hospitality and lifestyle director Michael Saxon, who presented the prizes to the winners, said the hunt was solid proof that the Think Green workshops and lessons carried out in schools throughout the years have created nature advocates and warriors.

“And it’s not just any ordinary hunt. It’s a hunt for new friendship and knowledge,” he added.

He also thanked the teachers, parents and students for their support throughout the Think Green journey.

A student from SJK (T) Azad carefully filling the pail with water gathered using banana leaf during the Think Green Treasure Hunt at Straits Green.   

“Your openness and relentless enthusiasm fuelled our passion and commitment towards creating an enriching experience,” he said.

E&O started the Think Green programme six years ago and continues to work closely with CAP and schools in the vicinity of Seri Tanjung Pinang, namely SK Tanjung Tokong, SJK(C) Hun Bin, SJK (T) Azad, Tadis Ar-Rasyidin, SMK Tanjung Bungah and later with SK Pendidikan Khas Persekutuan Pulau Pinang and SK Convent Pulau Tikus.

Over the years, participating students learned about compost making, garden design and care, building raised beds, growing food, herb appreciation, urban gardening, natural farming and making DIY planters.