Malaysia ’12-13

Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia

One of three possible destinations for the 2012-13 Bird Fellowship. See also Bali and Panama.

BACKGROUND

The Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA) is a United States tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization operating in South East Asia (currently Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand). The organization is dedicated to empowering communities with the attitude, skills and knowledge to take action for a sustainable future.

BIRD FELLOWSHIP PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

This fellowship is ideal for a Fellow interested in contributing to the EEASEA’s goal to promote action for a sustainable future. The Fellow will be someone interested in working independently, and dedicated to researching and communicating ecological and environmental issues in an international setting.

Depending on the interests and qualifications of the candidate, the David Bird Fellow may focus on either of the following two projects with EEASEA:

1. Go Out and Play! Natural Children’s Play Spaces. Many modern play spaces for children are paved or asphalt areas with equipment designed for gross motor skill development such as jungle gyms, slides or swings. Many are also designed from an adult’s point of view for surveillance and “safety.” However, a growing body of research shows that these types of playgrounds fall short of addressing children’s developmental needs and often prevent them from connecting with nature. The Fellow who chooses this project will help design children’s play spaces that address the whole child and allow them to connect with nature through free play and discovery in areas rich in organic and natural resources.

2.  Bring Back the Birds! Greening School Campuses. School campuses often lack natural study and leisure areas for students and staff. In addition, they are often landscaped with manicured lawns or exotic species for aesthetic reasons, while ignoring ecological diversity and functionality. The Fellow who chooses this project will design green spaces (i.e., outdoor classrooms, gardens, study area etc.) for school campuses, using native plants that will attract wildlife such as insects and birds to campuses thus making them more ecologically functional and friendly.

Both projects will result in a written report in various formats and an oral presentation to interested groups within the local community.

TIMING

The best time of year for the Fellow to be in residence is anytime between December 2012 and April 2013.

QUALIFICATIONS

EEASEA seeks an individual with the following qualifications:

  • Curiosity
  • A sense of adventure
  • A broad comfort zone
  • A passionate personal and professional commitment to the environment, environmental education and sustainability
  • Demonstrated interest in sustainable design and the environmental issues mentioned above
  • Ability to take initiative and assume responsibility
  • Leaderships skills
  • Willingness to live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the fellowship
  • Ability to adapt to a diverse work environment
  • Patience and persistence
  • Cultural Curiosity, Awareness and Sensitivity

LIVING IN KUALA LUMPUR

  • Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a dynamic and vibrant modern city with easy access to highly diverse rainforest environments within an hours drive. The three main races in the city (Malay, Chinese and Indian) provide ample cultural experiences and learning opportunities.
  • EEASEA can provide a private room in fully furnished apartment 15-minutes from downtown Kuala Lumpur.
  • A typical taxi ride to downtown and adjacent areas costs US $5.00-7.00/ trip.
  • Cost of meal at a local restaurant in KL ranges from US $2.00-5.00. Food costs are estimated at about US $15.00 – 20.00/day.
  • Introductions to a network of conservationists, educators, scientists and community members in similar fields of interest.
  • Possible travel to Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia depending on the nature of the project and the Fellow’s interests.


Kenny Peavy is the founder of the Environmental Education Alliance of South East Asia (EEASEA).

MALAYSIA PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Kenny Peavy has published a wide range of articles ranging from educational research on students attitudes towards the environment, ecology and natural history articles and adventure travel. He also co-authored an environmental education training and activities manual entitled As if the Earth Matters: Recommitting to Environmental Education.

Kenny has facilitated over 30 workshops for teachers in all grade levels and subject areas, as well as pre-service teachers, university level undergraduate and graduate students, professionals and community members.

He has served as an environmental education consultant at the International School of Kuala Lumpur, the GREEN School in Bali, Phuket International Academy Day School, the International School @ Park City in Kuala Lumpur and Thanyamundra Eco-Resort at Khao Sok Naitonal Park, Thailand as well as a keynote speaker for the EduCare conference in Doha, Qatar.

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