Nestled between lush mountains and serene oceans, the North Sumatran town of Pandan showcases an incomparable landscape. At SMAN 1 Matauli Pandan, several students actively participate in the school’s Nature Lovers club to explore and appreciate the local environment further. The club provides numerous opportunities for students to discover the area’s beauty through hikes and environment-centered activities.

One week’s itinerary included a trek through nearby farms and a leisurely walk along Pandan Beach. ETA Katrien Weemaes suggested students bring trash bags to integrate conservation with their scenic adventure. Katrien aimed to shift the focus from mere admiration of the beautiful landscape to active learning and the preservation of the environment. While it is a common practice among locals to discard trash wherever convenient, Katrien stressed the importance of responsible waste disposal.

While strolling along the beach, students diligently collected abundant litter and learned about the harm caused by single-use plastic. Finding trash cans along the beach proved challenging despite filling their bags, prompting a discussion about local littering habits. One student suggested that the lack of trash cans causes people to toss their litter on the ground mindlessly. However, Katrien reminded them, “Convenience doesn’t always mean it’s the best practice, especially as we work to respect and preserve the environment.”

The impactful day inspired the Nature Lovers club to embrace ‘acts of service’ for environmental stewardship. Beyond exploration, students now strive to actively safeguard the natural spaces they cherish as they continue to explore, appreciate, and protect their environment.

Katrien Weemaes is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Matauli Pandan, North Sumatra.