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Disney's Jiminy Cricket to inspire students to make a little bit of difference in their environment
HONG KONG, (September 21, 2005) Call for action started today to all primary school students to "think green" and compete in the Jiminy Cricket's Environmentality Challenge (JCEC) as its Environmentality Heroes. This competition is a worldwide Disney educational program for schools and the community. Third year running in Hong Kong, it is a result of a unique partnership between Hong Kong Disneyland and the Environmental Protection Department. Designed with a different theme each year, this year's focus is on "Waste Reduction" and "Save Energy". It will encourage a challenging and fun hands-on experience that will help students learn more about the environment and show them why "it is cool to care" about the earth. Named after a beloved Disney character, Jiminy Cricket is the "official" conscience of Pinocchio. Jiminy would always sit on Pinocchio's shoulders to mirror his conscience and steer him back to the right path. In the same way, during the program Jiminy was there to remind students that they should take time to think about the environment in whatever they do, and to keep in mind his simple motto: "Every little bit makes a big difference!" The competition is designed to be a fun, challenging and stimulating way to inspire primary school students to learn more about their environment and to apply their knowledge through the development of an interdisciplinary environmental action project. The program is composed of two parts: The Pledge and The Challenge.
The Pledge Students complete pledge forms to demonstrate their commitment to thinking and acting environmentally at school, at home and in the community. Teachers conduct class discussion to highlight activities that each student and their classmates as well as their family can do to protect the environment. For their commitment, students will receive a specially designed JCEC pin. Last year over 59,000 pledges were received. Class Project Competition Classes who choose to participate in the second level of the competition are asked to target a real-world area of environmental concern, and to develop and implement an action plan to address the concern. Issues targeted this year include recycling and waste separation program, energy usage and energy efficiency studies, second hand goods exchange and reuse, promote environmentally friendly lunch at schools, and turn trash into treasure, etc. All students participating in the class project competition are recognized with a certificate of accomplishment. In March 2006, class projects will be assessed by a distinguished panel of environmental educators, leaders, and representatives from the organizers. In addition, the class receiving the Grand Prize will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony held at Hong Kong Disneyland and spend the day at the Theme Park as honored guests. Ninety-seven class projects, which involved 3 000 participating students, were received last year. Entry forms will be sent to all primary schools. Schools can also download entry forms from Hong Kong Disneyland Website www.HongKongDisneyland.com or EPD Website www.epd.gov.hk. Deadline for entry into the program is 22 October 2005. ![]() Winning Class of the JCEC 2004/2005 visited Hong Kong Disneyland on August 30, 2005. About Hong Kong Disneyland Located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation center consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum. Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan and other Disney characters beloved the world over. A joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort employs 5,000 cast members. The HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period. The project was announced in 1999 and construction began in 2003. For additional information and to book a magical vacation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel, guests can contact: Hotel Reservations Hotline Hong Kong Disneyland Reservation Center Telephone: 852/1830-830 Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Hong Kong time), daily To purchase Hong Kong Disneyland park tickets, guests should visit www.HongKongDisneyland.com. ![]() |
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