Seen from space our Earth stands as a borderless oasis of peace in the infinite hostility of the universe. It’s the only known planet to host life, in its harmonious diversity. Nature still to be discovered and understood. All is so ingeniously intertwined, that we cannot help thinking there is a divine power behind the marvel of creation. I personally am convinced of that nature and life has not cropped up by itself from nowhere.

The mighty invisible hand of the creator is omnipresent. This truth is self evident. Yet some sceptics may argue that if there were a God, there would not be that much havoc on earth especially sufferings, which can affect the innocents.

Much of this unhappiness is the unfortunate fruit of our wrong choices. Yes, kids, this supreme being loves us so much that he has given us the world in legacy with the freedom to either choose to make it a loving place or destroy it.

Do you really think it’s God’s will to have millions of people starving in Africa while 80% of the world’s revenue is concentrated in the hands of 5 % of the world’s population? Don’t you think it’s rather because of man’s egotism? Now, you may say that, as a kid, you won’t be of great help in international geopolitical issues and great environmental issues as global warming.

This, I agree, but you can contribute a lot to improve your surroundings at home and at school. There is no age to adopt the right attitude.

Let’s take water conservation at home. You must consider yourself lucky to have readily available clean water at home because access to water is still denied to millions.So why waste water by letting it flow while you brush your teeth ? Did you know that for each minute you leave the tap idly opened it’s a waste of 12 precious litres of water ?

You won’t be able to make the US vote for Kyoto treaty but you can reduce the wastage of electricity by switching off any electrical not in use. Less fuel will be used in producing it and as a non negligible bonus, you will lighten end of month bills. No, you won’t be able to influence warlords or negotiate great peace treaties but you can train yourself to be a peace soldier by favouring dialogue to confrontation. You must at all times show your disapproval of violence.

Carpooling and use of public transport is also an excellent way to conserve energy and contribute to reduce noxious gases that adds to the green house effect. So please do not insist to be dropped at school when you can take the bus. It’s an excellent thing that we have organized to drop our neighbours and vice versa because it avoids duplication of transport which wastes time, energy and money.

There are many other avenues of improvement to be visited to preserve, enhance and protect our quality of life and this starts at home ! It should however never be at the expense of others. If everybody makes those same good choices, don’t you think our combined efforts will make of this earth a better place ? Do you remember when I told you that if every Mauritian earmarked a single rupee a day for the fight against poverty we shall end up with the pretty sum of Rs 30 million per month…

Unity is power. If we are united to preserve our blue planet we will succeed in keeping it infinitely, the contrary is also true. Remembrance is a fence against ignorance and negligence. Let’s renew our endea-vour to make our earth a better place on the occasion of Earth day celebrated on 21 April since 1970. There is no little or big action, there are only good and bad deeds !

<B>Alain Jeannot</B>