Cherai Beach Cleaning Mission Marks International Peace Day with a Bang!:

cultivate a culture of peace

Kochi:September 23, 2024: Cherai Beach, a popular tourist destination in Ernakulam District, Kerala, was abuzz with activity yesterday as Scout Guide children from five local schools joined forces to clean up the beach on the occasion of International Peace Day

The event, organized by the local authorities and community members, saw over 100 students from St. John de Brito, St. Mary’s Chellanam, Saraswati Vidyalaya, Ilamakkara, and SMHSS Cherai participating in the cleaning mission.

The enthusiastic youngsters, armed with trash bags and gloves, descended upon the beach at 9:00 AM to tackle the challenge of cleaning up the shoreline. The cleanup activity was led by local scouts and community members, who guided the students in identifying and collecting plastic waste, glass bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials.

A CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL BEACH

By the time the cleanup activity wrapped up at 12:00 PM, a staggering 500 kg of plastic waste, 200 kg of glass waste, and 100 kg of other non-biodegradable materials had been collected and disposed of properly. The beach, once littered with trash and debris, was transformed into a clean and beautiful stretch of sand, thanks to the efforts of the young volunteers.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The event was not only about cleaning up the beach but also about imparting valuable lessons to the students about the importance of environmental conservation. The students were educated about the impact of human activities on the environment and the role they can play in protecting it.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The event received overwhelming support from local residents, shopkeepers, and tourists who stopped by to participate in the cleaning activity or offer words of encouragement to the students. The community’s involvement in the event was a testament to their commitment to preserving the beauty of Cherai Beach.

A MESSAGE OF PEACE

The Cherai Beach Cleaning Mission was a fitting way to mark International Peace Day, which emphasizes the importance of promoting peace and harmony among nations. The event sent out a powerful message that even small actions can contribute to creating a more peaceful and sustainable world.

TheCherai Beach Cleaning Mission was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the Scout Guide children from local schools and the community’s support. The event serves as a reminder that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of individuals from all walks of life.

PROGRAM REPORT

Date: September 21, 2024

Location: Cherai Beach, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India

Objective: To organize a beach cleaning program on the occasion of International Peace Day to promote a sense of responsibility and unity among the community, and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.

Program Highlights:

• The program was organized in collaboration with the local authorities, school students, and community members.
• A total of 100 volunteers participated in the cleaning program, including students from local schools, residents, and tourists.
• The cleanup activity started at 9:00 AM and continued till 12:00 PM.
• A total of 500 kg of plastic waste, 200 kg of glass waste, and 100 kg of other non-biodegradable materials were collected and disposed of properly.
• The beach was cleaned along a stretch of approximately 1 kilometer.

Activities:

• A cleanliness pledge was taken by all participants before starting the cleanup activity.
• A team of volunteers from local schools distributed pamphlets and posters on the importance of beach conservation and the impact of plastic waste on the environment.
• A group of students from a local school performed a skit on the theme “Save Our Beach” to raise awareness about the issue.
• A collection of beach treasures was organized, where children could collect seashells, pebbles, and other natural objects found on the beach.

Achievements:

• The cleanup activity helped to remove a significant amount of trash and debris from the beach, making it cleaner and more beautiful for visitors.
• The event raised awareness about the importance of beach conservation and the impact of human activities on the environment.
• The program encouraged community participation and unity among volunteers, promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Challenges:

• The cleanup activity was hampered by strong winds and high tide, which made it difficult to collect some of the waste.
• Some participants faced difficulties in carrying heavy bags of trash due to inadequate infrastructure.

Recommendations:

• Organize regular beach cleaning programs to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of Cherai Beach.
• Implement waste management systems that can effectively collect and dispose of trash generated by tourists and locals.
• Educate visitors about the importance of responsible tourism and reducing plastic waste.
• Encourage community participation in beach conservation activities through regular events and campaigns.

Conclusion:

The Cherai Beach Cleaning Program on International Peace Day was a successful initiative that promoted community involvement in beach conservation. The event raised awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and encouraged responsible tourism practices. We hope that this program will serve as a model for future initiatives to promote environmental sustainability in our community.