A few months ago, I got the chance to take part in a community clean-up drive organised by a local NGO. The goal was to clean a nearby park that had been ignored for a long time. It wasn’t a big event, and there were no cameras or media people. Just a few volunteers, some cleaning tools, and a lot of spirit. I joined mostly out of curiosity, but the experience gave me something more meaningful than I expected.

My job was mostly collecting plastic waste, helping plant a few small trees, and painting the walls that had been dirty or full of random graffiti. It was tiring work, especially under the sun, but I didn’t feel like stopping. There was something special about working together for a good cause.

One of the best parts of the day was talking to the younger kids who came to play in the park. We explained to them why it’s important to not litter and to respect public spaces. I didn’t expect them to listen, but they actually did. Some even started helping us by picking up small bits of garbage. That moment made me feel like what we were doing really mattered.

I didn’t get a certificate or a medal, but I walked away with a new mindset. I now feel more responsible for the spaces around me and I’ve started saying no to plastic whenever I can. I also try to spread awareness among friends and classmates about how small steps can help keep our environment cleaner.