Every year we celebrate Geography as a World Discipline since it creates "the bridge between human and physical science". Each year we have raised awareness about various aspects of Geographical issues through GeoDay or GeoWeek celebrations. This year GeoDay’s focus was on Wildlife as they are an integral part of natural environment and as geographers we are always looking at how humans have altered natural systems. Wildlife has been a constant source of inspiration as it nurtures a sense of wonder. Wildlife is integral to the balance of nature.
Our aim was to raise awareness about protecting wildlife. In achieving this aim we focused on ecological, economic and cultural importance of the species in wild as they are threatened by unsustainable human pressures like illegal fishing and over-use. The theme ‘Go Wild for Life’ thereby aptly suited.
GeoDay special assembly started with a thought provoking presentation by year 12 Geographers Lakitha, Dinara and Umar. It was followed by year 10 Geographer’s Fashion show called “Animal’s Secret”. The fashion show had a hidden agenda which was demonstrated beautifully through a skit. Findlay, the world renowned designer and Theekshana, the powerful protestor unravelled many sides of animal trade. The outcome was that everyone realised that “Buying is Killing, so when the buying stops animal killing will also stop”. The models did tremendous justice to the show by walking the catwalk like real fashion models.
GeoDay Quiz was the next programme and tested everyone’s knowledge about wildlife. It was conducted very well by year 12 geographers. It helped everyone to learn about the animal world in an interactive way. The assembly also had a special message from the NewZealand trip which was narrated by Theruni from year 9. The trip had introduced students to one of the most endemic bird called KIWI. Kiwis have evolved for 70 million years before man introduced the many mammals that are found in NewZealand. Maori hunted kiwi for meat, skin and feathers, using dogs/kuri and traps, but did so sparingly and with great ceremony. Special chants and rituals took place before a kiwi hunt began because kiwis are under the special protection of Tane Mahuta, God of the Forest. Maori used kiwi feathers for chiefly ceremonial cloaks – kahu-kiwi. These are made of a flax fabric with the feather shafts woven securely into the flax. Today Maori people no longer hunt kiwi and many are actively involved as kaitiaki/guardians, protecting and restoring kiwi populations in their territory. One such project is managed by the Kiwi House in Rotorua. The students had the privilege of visiting it and were fortunate to see the Kiwi. With this example everyone understood how cultures could harm as well as protect the wildlife.
The geographers who had visited NewZealand learnt a lot about the Maori culture. They shared their experiences by performing the Poi and Haka dances. The knowledge had been also shared with BSC family. Aritha, Findlay and Caesar proved themselves as great warriors by performing the Haka exceedingly well.
GeoDay exhibited the year 8 and 9 photograph exhibition and year 7 Collage competitions. The winners of year 7 Collage competition were year 7 A. They had created a beautiful collage showing Rhino horn being cut off and spread the message ‘Nature isn’t money’. The other collages also expressed the theme very imaginatively. Winners of photograph competition in year 8 was Giovanni Andrenelli (1st) Wenuri Adikari (2nd) and Keshan De Silva (3rd). In the year 9 photograph competition winners were Tae Yun Kim (1st), Zainab Akberally (2nd) and Theruni Hettithanthrige (3rd). The photograph exhibition strongly presented the beauty of wildlife which naturally created the understanding for its conservation. The exhibition had attracted everyone’s attention including Junior school students.
GeoDay Food fiesta as always was one of the most awaited activity. It further supported the theme and went ahead with sale of vegetarian food only. The range of food was incredible. Most of the students from year 7 to 9 had participated making fantastic contributions. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and ‘It was truly a heaven for vegetarians’ as quoted by Ms.Nirasha. Environment club also supported the cause by selling plant seeds. The counter was very popular reflecting the caring attitude amidst our students towards environment.
Finally, the GeoDay ended featuring the movie ‘Whale Rider’. It was a film that helped to understand what is leadership and about the spiritual bond which humans have been sharing with natural world.
GeoDay was thereby successful in making all of us understand that many of the world’s environmental problems stem from a lack of knowledge. Consumers are able to purchase certain products or engage in activities without realising the damage they are causing to the Earth. When shown in a positive light, wild animals can inspire people to lead a sustainable lifestyle. They can invoke feelings of sympathy and compassion, causing people to be conscious of the damaging effects of their lifestyles.
By,
Dr.Juri Burman
Head of Geography Department
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