On a single day every year, volunteers and partners globally join hands to raise awareness of the global mismanaged waste crises. This unifying movement transcends borders, cultural differences, and even conflicts by bringing together people from all walks of life to clean up litter and waste in their communities. In Shivapuri National Park in Kathmandu, Nepal, SFV coordinators Sujan Tamang, Shristika Bajracharya, Anu Lama, and Sabita Tamang participated in the World Cleanup Day 2023 on 16th September. Driven by the need to contribute to global efforts to reduce litter pollution and to preserve the planet’s ecosystems and wildlife, the coordinators were joined by their SFV club members in conducting cleanup activities.
Witnessing the deterioration of natural spaces due to litter and pollution and being greatly inspired by the global movement for environmental conservation, as well as our commitment to positively impacting the environment, prompted the SFV coordinators to participate. Sabita Tamang shared her experience:
“The most memorable moment of our World Cleanup Day adventure was when, at the end of our cleanup hike, we reached the enchanting Bishnudwar area within Shivapuri National Park in Kathmandu, Nepal. This hidden gem offered a breathtaking panoramic view of a wild forest, a serene waterfall, a meandering river, and an ancient temple. The sight was truly mesmerizing, a testament to the natural beauty we were working to protect. We embarked on a challenging trail through the river to reach the temple from the waterfall. The path was slippery, and navigating it required great teamwork and determination. Alongside fellow volunteers, we embraced the difficulty, and together, we conquered the slippery river trail, arriving safely at the temple.
This moment symbolized the resilience and unity that drives environmental conservation efforts. The entire hike to this spot was an uphill journey that spanned five hours. Despite the physical exertion, the scenic vistas of Kathmandu Valley observed while hiking uphill were nothing short of breathtaking. We couldn't help but revel in the beauty of our surroundings and the sense of accomplishment from both the hike and the fruitful cleanup program. It was an experience filled with challenges and joy, reminding us of the incredible natural treasures we have and the importance of preserving them for generations to come,” she said
As the Sunshine Family Volunteer Coordinator, I collaborated with my fellow SFV coordinators, Shristika Bajracharya, Anu Lama, and Sujan Tamang, within the SFV Team. This collaboration was a source of immense inspiration. Working alongside dedicated colleagues who shared a vision of environmental stewardship and community engagement was a powerful experience. While we did not collaborate with external NGOs or social clubs during this cleanup, our internal collaboration within the SFV Team was a testament to the strength of teamwork.
Together, we coordinated the logistics and ensured that our Sunshine Volunteer Program made a meaningful impact. This internal collaboration reinforced our shared commitment and inspired us to continue our mission of creating positive change in the community. Our cooperation with the SFV Team reminded us that grassroots initiatives can profoundly affect environmental conservation. It showcased the potential of dedicated individuals coming together for a common cause and reinforced our belief in the importance of community-driven efforts to inspire change.
Indeed, World Cleanup Day provided an excellent platform to promote the Sunshine Volunteer Program (SFV). To raise awareness about our mission, we proudly wore T-shirts adorned with the Sunshine Family Volunteer logo throughout the event. This showcased our dedication to environmental conservation and sparked conversations with other participants and passersby who were curious about our initiative. The visibility generated by the Sunshine Family Volunteer logo on our T-shirts helped us attract more support and volunteers for future endeavors. It was a meaningful way to spread the message of environmental responsibility and encourage others to join us in positively impacting our world.
Besides volunteering with fellow SFV coordinators, my family members participated in the activities. Volunteering as a family was a unique and enriching experience. It strengthened our bond and reinforced our shared commitment to environmental stewardship. We discovered that involving family members can be a powerful way to instill values and inspire future generations to care for the planet.” she said.
“I loved how we got to talk about each other's lives. It gave me insights into everyone's life. I feel like that moment made us closer than we already were,” Sujan reflected on the experience.
“SFV club member as well as my family member did participate in the clean-up day with enthusiasm which left us feeling overwhelmed with a sense of purpose and gratitude,” added Shristika.
This year’s international collaborations from the five countries that participated in the World Cleanup Day herald our efforts in engaging SFV global families in every community to address environmental issues globally. Learn more about Sunshine Family Volunteers (SFV), an initiative of Global Peace Women that seeks to build a culture of service and peace worldwide, and reach out to an SFV team leader in your country to join our SFV clubs.
