MISSION: At all times non-confrontational and very much 'activity-based', the Yayasan believes in instilling in children of all ages an appreciation of the environment through environmentally-orientated, thought-provoking activities.
Thus the mission of the Yayasan is to open the hearts and minds of young Malaysians to the beauty of their environment. We are committed to the protection of this heritage the Earth and it's inhabitants by the dissemination of knowledge and understanding to young people … (Mission and Strategies 1/2).
About: Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam, (YAWA), can be translated as 'Children's Environmental Heritage Foundation'.
A non-profit, non-government organisation, it was founded in 1990, as an informal group called the Junior Environmental Group of Malaysia (JEGOM) purely to instill a love of and care for the environment in young people. JEGOM changed its name to Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam and was registered in 1996 as a Foundation limited by Guarantee.
YAWA nurtures continuous positive development in young people throughout the critical growing stages of life. Networking with organisations both locally and internationally, YAWA has organised about 200 projects involving 5000 children.
It started as Junior Environmental Group of Malaysia (JEGOM) with 3 children as co-founders – Ashraf Sinclair, then 9, Aishah Sinclair, 8, and Adam Sinclair, 5. In February 1990, the family discovered the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The trip to the park opened their eyes and hearts to the beauty of nature in Malaysia. Several more places were explored in the same year – Pulau Besar, Cameron Highlands and Tasik Chini, all in Pahang. These visits confirmed in them the need to have an environmental group. From this, JEGOM was born and a cousin, Shanazatul Ida Mansor, aged 9, was the first member.
After one year, the group had grown to 10 children and Mrs. Evelyn Wong was the first adult volunteer. Going from strength to strength, the group flourished into a Foundation that a decade later, could boast that over 1000 children had taken part in its activities. YAWA firmly believes that children play a vital role in the community and that the environment they grow in determines their future.
… AIMS AND STRATEGIES: To guide young people to become responsible adults, fully committed to the protection of their environment.
To inculcate a sense of responsibility in young people to appreciate the Earth as their heritage through education and good practice.
To protect the rights of children and young people to a healthy environment.
To instill in older children, via the Eco-Youth Challenge & Adventure programme, leadership, self-esteem and team-working skills.
To respect the gift God gave to mankind.