Children as young as three may soon learn how to protect the environment in their kindergartens if a group of educationalists get their way. "For years we have been looking to have environmental education in kindergartens, it's so essential," Environment Friends Society (EFS) president Khawla Al Muhannadi told the GDN.

"The earlier you can instil environmental concepts and understanding, the more it will reflect in their daily behaviour. We want to see the environment as part of the kindergarten curriculum.

"According to psychological studies, they learn most of their experiences, kno-wledge and concepts at this age."

Ms Al Muhannadi is one of several speakers at a four-day workshop on the Inclusion of Environmental Education in Bahrain, which began on Sunday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel.

More than 50 kindergarten teachers and heads, as well as representatives from the Education Ministry and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation are attending the event.

"My paper is about leadership and volunteerism in environmental protection for pre-school children," said Ms Al Muhannadi.

"I explained our activities and took a girl as a case study and compared her knowledge of the environment with classmates in her school."

Ms Al Muhannadi said she had witnessed the influence that children in the EFS Reem Committee had on their families and peers.

Reem Committee is made up of children aged from four to 14 who learn about the environment and its protection at 5pm every Thursday at the EFS in Hamad Town. "Our dream is to see a Reem Committee in every kindergarten," explained Ms Al Muhannadi.

"There is nothing stronger than a child who is an environment defender. We have noticed it with our members who say they have learnt so much from their children."

Ms Al Muhannadi said young children should be encouraged to build a relationship with their environment.