Well done, boys and girls. I am proud to read of what you do. Keep it up!

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Monday July 30, 2012

Teens unite to fight Aedes

KAJANG: They have had doors slammed in their faces. They have been rudely brushed aside. They were yelled at. And yet, they persevered in their mission to spread awareness on the dangers of Aedes mosquitoes.

Instead of hanging out with friends at mamak shops like other teenagers, 20 students from SMK Jalan Bukit spend their weekends visiting about 100 homes in Kajang and Bangi in groups of two or three to educate owners on how best to eradicate Aedes mosquitoes.

Wearing bright red vests and caps and armed only with smiles, enthusiasm and anti-dengue pamphlets, the teenagers are part of their school’s Anti-Aedes Rangers squad.

Eliminating threats: Members of the Anti-Aedes Rangers squad conducting checks around a garden to ensure the area is not a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.

 

During the school holidays, they would spread their message to families in their hometowns during their balik kampung trips.

Since the squad was set up in February, it had visited 16,337 homes until last month.

The youngsters’ hard work was rewarded when the squad won the grand prize at an Inter School Anti-Aedes Rangers competition organised by SC Johnson. The school got RM10,000, a trophy and a hamper.

Squad leader Yusnani Haumar, 16, said having an aunt who was struck with dengue two years ago opened her eyes to the dangers posed by the Aedes mosquitoes.

Though tiring and at times frustrating, the experience was rewarding, she said.

“Some people slammed their doors at us while some thought we were trying to sell them something,” she said. “However, we also met some nice people.”

Muhammad Khairul Fahmi Abd Aziz, 16, said the rude encounters only served to toughen him up.

“I always tell our members to be patient and not give up,” he said.

Teacher adviser Loh Mei Lan was proud of her students. “They are dedicated and hardworking, sacrificing their weekends and holidays for a noble cause,” she said.

Though the competition is over, the squad still remains committed to their fight.