STORY PREVIEW

2024

Roadside Garbage

Kalimah Schooling System

Sindh

MENTOR

Nida Imran

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

The following is the list of worries identified by 7-8 years old: -I don't feel comfortable when my siblings bother me - I want to do something for homeless people- I want to build bird houses so that they can have rest in shadow during summers - I get disturbed by hurdles on the road like rocks etc. I don't feel good to see trash along the roads or on the side walks.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

There were many interesting topics they suggested so we held a voting to finalize one and eventually we ended up chosing to solve the problem of trash along the roads. Selection of this solution indicated the sense of responsibility they have as little citizens.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

As long as the discussion went on it became more clear that every student is bothered by the trash which they see during their commute from school to home or any other place near or far. Infect not only the litter, they also mentioned debris around under construction buildings. They showed their concern regarding hygiene and problem faced by pedestrians as they need to walk on the roadsides.

Step 2 IMAGINE

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

The list of solutions imagined by the students: Call the garbage truck- call sweepers- clean the roadside by themselves- bring cleaning supplies from home- purchase supplies with pocket money- ask the school admin to arrange cleaning supplies and they would clean the roadside themselves.

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

rom the listed solutions they finally decided clean the roadside by themselves.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

Students listed down the items they require to implement this solution. They wrote an application to school admin regarding the arrangement of cleaning supplies such as broom, dustpan, trash bags, gloves, brushes etc so that they can clean the roadside.

What was the result or impact of your project?

As soon as we approached the practical part. Students became more enthusiastic and excited. The sense of doing something which is not only in favour of themselves but a benefit of others as well, gave them more spark. Students showed extreme confidence in removing the trash from roadside, they didn't hesitate at any point. The best part when they enjoyed the teamwork. Bravely they were picking the trash and debris, passing it to other students to throw in the trash can. Students got a feeling of pride and happiness.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

Such a responsible act by First graders made everyone amazed that they identified a problem around them and found the solutions themselves and eventually implemented the solutions. The impact of this activity is long-term as the students realized that this activity shouldn't end here, it should be continued as a regular practice to keep our society clean and hygienic.

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

Initially students were unable to identify any problem around them and we didn't have to give them any hint. It took more than 3 weeks to make them realize how can you feel good or bad around you, what makes you uncomfortable. What is the situation where you can become a super hero. What a super hero does. Students gave many examples of what super heroes do. Students were left to do group discussions. After imagining different situations they started to realize what are the situations which actually bother them and they need solutions for these. They made a list of supplies in which they mentioned a water bucket and mop as well. A 7 year old cute girl held the mop in her hand and said that she would mop the roadside (which was not possible as the roadside was not a flat floor), when she went to the area to be cleaned she realized that she can not use a mop and water bucket here, she then started to pick trash with her hands, all students had decided to wear disposable gloves before starting the activity so there wasn't any point of hesitation to touch the trash. They were so enthusiastic and target oriented they didn't care of dirt which was covering their shoes or hair, they were just like little soldiers in a battle field٫ heading for the victory.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

MORE THAN 30 DAYS

Which global goals does your story align with?

Good health and well being

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

Realizing the need of cleanliness around them is a sign that these children will grow up as responsible citizens which not only care for their own hygiene and well being but they also care for other people around them. A clean road side is a smooth pedestrians passage, trash may lead to spread of diseases and when people get used too of it that start to overlook these issues and this leads to negligence and irresponsibility. When a child starts realizing problems around him and finds the ways to solve it, he never overlooks such issues which can be solved by a single person or a team but it leaves a huge social impact.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

The students proudly shared their success story in the class room as well in the assembly. They shared the story with their families and friends. Their parents appreciated their act and were astonished to see how their young children found a problem and solved it. The listeners of the story also mentioned that this act of cleaning the surrounding should be done as a regular basis and the idea should be spread everywhere so that every citizen should realize his own responsibility of becoming a problem solver instead of a problem maker or just a voice raiser.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

The valuable outcome of this project has left a remarkable impact. To ensure its sustainability, it should be repeated once in a month at least so that students may not consider it as one time activity. They should make it their responsibility keep an eye on their surroundings. Students must share their experience on social media and in nearby schools so that other institutions may also consider it. Parents and teachers must realize that they need to make their child a good observer and they must discuss with their children about what they need to do for betterment.

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