I will have been a member of Malaysia’s oldest non-profit organisation for three decades as of 3 May 2026. I have actively volunteered for 26 years in multiple roles. This journey has allowed me to explore nature, connect with passionate people, and contribute to making people more aware about understanding nature and the impact our actions have on it. Then, there was no term to describe it. Now, it’s called ‘environmental education.’ In this post, I share lessons learned from mentoring children and their parents since 2023.
My journey in ‘environmental education’ with the MNS Selangor Branch (MNSSB) spans many years. It has been shaped by people, places, and outdoor conversations. From 1999 to 2016, my time spent with the MNSSB Marine Special Interest Group (SIG) focused mainly on activities for its adult members, less on their children. The activities emphasised marine and coastal ecosystems. Together with other Marine SIG members ran activities for members, and supported community initiatives such as Raptor Watch and the Tioman Island Fest. During this time, it became clear that learning works best outdoors. Observation, questioning, and shared discovery were far more effective than lectures. As climate change challenges became more apparent, it felt increasingly important to show children small, practical ways to make a difference.
CAKE
This led to Climate Action Kids Engagement (CAKE). The programme involves hands-on nature activities. Children learn how climate change affects wildlife habitats and explore practical ways to help. CAKE began with a trial in 2023. It was supported by FRIM’s Urban Forestry Branch through a citizen science initiative. Together with several Special Interest Groups, we later collaborated with Universiti Malaya’s Rimba Ilmu and Rimbun Dahan, a private arboretum and arts residence. Grants from the Selangor State Government (2023), the Lions Club of Subang Jaya (2024), and FRIM’s Urban Forestry Programme (2025) enabled additional family field trips.
My first mentoring session took place at FRIM, across from Paya Burung, a bird wetland. Capturing the attention of seven- to ten-year-olds was nerve-wracking. Directing a film crew is one thing. Teaching children about climate change and its impact on birds is another entirely. To my delight—and the parents’ amusement—the planned half-hour session stretched to over an hour. During that time, the children created their own bird-friendly gardens using stickers and colouring activities.
The children were already knowledgeable about climate change. Their explanations were often hilarious. The mentors, FRIM staff, and I had as much fun as the children, if not more. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reinforced why hands-on outdoor learning works so well. It also reminded me why this work remains deeply rewarding.
Wild Wonders
Alongside CAKE, Wild Wonders was developed. It focuses on wildlife, biodiversity, and meeting conservationists. Specialists with backgrounds in birds, rare and endangered trees, and odonata provide introductory knowledge, spark a sense of wonder, and, perhaps, inspire future career paths.
Nature’s Stewards
I hope the children we guide today, with the support of their parents, will grow up understanding nature and taking steps to ensure others after them have a chance to experience it. I also hope more MNS volunteers will be inspired to organise and nurture young members. This will help ensure the work continues beyond any one person. The steady support of mentors, partners, and institutions shows that progress is being made, step by step.