Small Hands, Big Steps for the Earth
JAKARTA — Environmental awareness can begin with something as simple as a child learning where to put a piece of waste.
That was the message behind an Environment Week program organized by Leo Club Jakarta Kharisma, Lions Club District 307A1, at TBM Bukit Duri Bercerita in Jakarta on September 12, 2026.
The program brought together nearly 50 children from elementary to secondary school age. Supported by Lions, including Lion Yuli Nogeti, Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, and members of Lions Club Jakarta Gading Cemara, the activity combined literacy, games and hands-on environmental education.
Led by Gabriella Grecia Liano and supported by 13 Leo members, the program introduced children to practical ways of caring for the environment.
The session began with environmental literacy. Children read aloud facts and materials about the Earth and discussed simple ways to protect it. The organizers wanted environmental awareness to be something children could understand and practice, rather than simply a slogan.
The children were then divided into four teams for a waste-sorting game. Using picture cards, they identified and classified waste into four categories: organic, inorganic, hazardous and toxic materials (B3), and residual waste.
The activity turned waste management into an interactive learning experience. Children were encouraged to understand that different types of waste require different forms of handling.
The final activity introduced them to eco-enzyme, made from fruit peel waste. Working together, the children learned that materials normally thrown away can sometimes be processed and given another purpose.
“Environmental education does not have to begin with something big,” Yuli Nogeti said. “Through literacy, waste-sorting games and making eco-enzyme, these small hands have shown that they can be part of the solution.”
For the organizers, the program was also about building habits early. A child who learns to separate waste today may carry that practice into the home, school and wider community.
“Not all waste is bad,” Grecia said. “With innovation and proper management, organic waste can even become something valuable and useful.”
The initiative reflects the role of Leo Club members as young people who can serve not only as participants in community activities, but also as educators and facilitators.
The 13 Leo members involved were Benedict Hubert Chandra, Cecillia Sosrodjojo, Celine Florencia Phandana, Cheryl Videline Gunawan, Devin Thendisetiadi, Gabriella Grecia Liano, Jayden Kusuma, Jonathan Elbert Chandra, Louis Alexandrio, Louisa Soetanto, Sherren Anabel Budianto, Steven Maxwell Phandana, and Wilson Prawira.
The Environment Week activity ultimately carried a simple message: meaningful environmental action can start small.
A book can spark awareness. A picture card can teach responsibility. A piece of fruit peel can demonstrate reuse. And a child’s small hand can make the first move toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
This story is rewritten by Jonathan Elbert Chandra based on the same article published in local digital media:
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