Living in Green Coast Community on VOA Road, Brewerville, I have seen how people sometimes throw plastic and other waste materials in the streets and drainage areas. During the rainy season, this usually causes the gutters to block and creates flooding in some parts of the community. Because of this situation, I decided to join other young people in helping to keep our community clean. On several occasions, we volunteered to clean around the roadside and drainage areas early in the morning. We picked up plastic bottles, sachet water plastics, and other garbage that were scattered around the community. Sometimes the work was tiring, but we understood that keeping the environment clean benefits everyone. One experience I remember clearly was during a community clean-up campaign where we cleaned the area near the main junction leading into our community. We filled several bags with waste materials and cleared blocked gutters so that water could flow freely again. After the exercise, the area looked much cleaner and safer. Apart from the physical cleaning, I also encouraged some of my friends and younger children in the community not to dump garbage carelessly. I believe that environmental cleanliness starts with individual responsibility and community cooperation. Volunteering in these activities has helped me understand the importance of protecting the environment. It also showed me that small efforts from community members can make a big difference when people work together.

By Alexander KingLast year, I learned a hard lesson about the hidden dangers left on our streets. While walking through the neighborhood, I spotted a discarded plastic bottle that a zogo (street youth) had used as a makeshift toilet. Wanting to help keep the environment clean, I bent down and picked it up to throw it away.In an instant, the plastic blasted right in my hand.The container had been sealed, and the environmental conditions caused the internal pressure to rise significantly. The sudden release of that pressure was unexpected and powerful, resulting in a startling impact that left my hand feeling stunned. It served as a stark reminder of the unexpected risks that can be found in discarded items and the importance of approaching cleanup with caution.

Last year, during the rainy season, I noticed that many water sachets, plastic bags, and other waste materials were blocking the drainage near my community, especially around my neighbor’s gate. Instead of ignoring the situation, I decided to act. I gathered my siblings, and together we volunteered to clean the area. While cleaning, I met a middle-aged man who usually collected garbage for people in exchange for money. However, after collecting the waste, he would dump it anywhere because he did not fully understand the impact it had on the environment. I took time to explain to him how improper waste disposal contributes to flooding, pollution, and health problems within the community. After that conversation, he began helping us keep the area clean and even encouraged some of his colleagues to use proper trash disposal methods and bins. That experience taught me that sustainability begins with small actions and simple education. By volunteering and positively influencing just one person, I was able to create an impact that continued beyond that single day. World Environment Day reminds us that innovation, volunteering, and sustainability start with each of us.

Organizational skills, Professional skills, Interpersonal skills.@

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it was a get time seeing myself giving back