Kota Kinabalu: Every time Iris Sofea Irwin sees the ocean gradually being choked by pollution, her heart breaks.
As he strolls along the shoreline, the youth frequently encounters cast-off objects and litter floating on the water, serving as eerie indicators of humanity’s disregard.
Deeply troubled by what she witnessed, the girl conveyed her sorrow and reflections in an article entitled "Our Ocean in Agony," which quickly rose to the top of a local online platform.
The sea has always been a precious bounty close to my heart. The distinct ebb and flow, the varied aquatic universe beneath the waves, with fishes gliding gracefully through the waters — it’s an unparalleled natural wonder.
"Nonetheless, an unforeseen event occurred over the past several years — the seas, which hold my deepest affection, are dying gradually. Each time I visit the shore, it’s now routine for me to spot plastic bottles, straws, and packaging drifting on the water as though they were specters," penned the 17-year-old.
Her entry into E-Magz, a journal published by the Indonesian Teachers Association at Pacitan Teachers Training and Education Institute, resonated strongly with the editorial team. They recognized her work as the Best Article for the February 2025 issue.
Although her piece depicts a grim image of the ocean's suffering, Iris Sofea still holds hope.
She thinks that through increased understanding and a change in perspective, the harm done to the ocean could potentially be undone.
"The alterations each individual can effectuate, irrespective of their magnitude—such as consuming fewer resources, repurposing goods, or merely disseminating information—can significantly aid our efforts. It’s crucial we take action immediately, lest all seas become casualties of ecological crises from which recovery may prove impossible," she asserted.
Iris Sofea was among six students from Keningau Vocational College (KVC) who left a notable mark on environmental advocacy by having their articles published in a local English-language magazine.
The February issue of E-Magz focused on Waste Awareness Day.
Students from different vocational programs like early childhood education, cosmetology, construction technology, and electrical technology utilized their platforms to highlight the detrimental impacts of waste on Earth, with a focus on oceans and natural environments.
Their pieces promote group efforts to minimize single-use plastics, utilize recycled materials, and implement eco-friendly waste-management techniques.
The other contributing students were 17-year-old Rosselina Senora Ungkak, Jescyleo Jesimon and Jason Robert Sopining, both 18, Nur Qamariah Hasmeddy, 19, and Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, 20.
KVC director Lumang Lang called the students’ achievement a testament to the power of education and youth engagement in addressing global environmental challenges.
“He mentioned that with the guidance and editorial assistance from their committed teachers, these students managed to write their articles in English and send them to E-Magz, where only six chosen pieces are showcased per issue.”