SA student inspired to save orangutans


Victor Harbour High School’s development of an Asia literate curriculum has inspired students to reach out and become proactive in the Asian region. The adoption of a Borneo orangutan named Carlos is an example of students’ concern for global issues such as the environment and conservation.

Located 80 kilometres from Adelaide, the school is involved in two of AEF's flagship projects: the Leading 21st Century Schools Engage with Asia and BRIDGE programs.

Research project

One Year 12 student at the school used the plight of Carlos and his fellow primates as the subject of her crucial final year New South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) research project.

We recently caught up with Shanice, who explained that her interest was sparked by a television documentary on the catastrophic effect that palm oil production had on orangutans. ‘The story I saw horrified me and I wanted to look into it more,’ she said.

She outlined how her research project developed. ‘I first did an oral presentation to my class in English at the start of this year, and when the new SACE course came out, I thought that was a perfect opportunity to learn more about what was happening in Borneo.’

She also raised a considerable amount of money for the project by coordinating this year’s fundraiser, and had no problem in enlisting the help of her fellow students: ‘They were very keen to get on board; I had a few helpers on the day and a class of year eights who did some baking.’

The sanctuary to which Carlos belongs is run by the Australian Orangutan Project and located in Palanga Raya on the island. ‘We ended up raising almost $400 for the sanctuary from selling wrist bands and cakes,’ Shanice outlined.

Future career

As well as visiting Borneo next year, Shanice hopes to continue with helping the orangutans in her future career. ‘I would love to continue my research towards orangutans and the effects palm oil has on the environment in Borneo, and would love a career in helping this beautiful species.’

This example strongly reflects what Dorjee Sun, ‘eco-preneur’ and CEO of Carbon Conservation, said at the AEF's March 2010 summit. He believed that Asia is ripe with opportunity for young, educated and motivated Australians.

Such a project-based collaborative cause championed by Shanice has great potential, argues Dorjee. ‘Youth are engaged by social status, respect, edutainment, prizes, rewards, but also purpose, mission and team,’ he concluded.

View his presentation.