On Jul 30, 2017, the Korean exchange students from the International University Bible Academy (IUBA) members collaborated with the university students of the World Mission Society Church of God Singapore (SGWMSCOG) to conduct a clean-up campaign at Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay—Singapore’s landmark
Clarke Quay is located along the Singapore River, one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks. It holds a vast and rich history dating back to the 1800s. Previously, it was a major transshipment zone and a conduit for trade. Now, it has turned into a buzzing tourist attraction, hosting a stretch of restaurants, entertainment outlets, and offices1).
Early on a sunny morning, the church volunteers gathered together around Clarke Quay area. Ready to clean up the vicinity, the volunteers combed the entire street of Clarke Quay (along the Singapore River). Clad in bright yellow vests, they picked up all the trash they could find. Despite the scorching heat, the volunteers cleaned up the streets with a smile, offering a helping hand to one another.
Though Singapore is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world, there were many cigarette butts found hidden between the crevices and under the bushes. Cigarettes are non-biodegradable and are one of the most commonly discarded trash, causing enormous harm to the environment2). The volunteers diligently picked up the cigarette butts accumulated under the bushes and along the streets.
IUBA Volunteers joyfully cleaning up discarded piece of cigarette waste along Singapore River
Volunteers cleaning litters along the drain
IUBA Volunteers actively removing cigarette butts from in between crevices
Fan Mo Wai, 20, a volunteer, expressed her thoughts, “Participating in clean-up campaigns is a very meaningful way to spend my weekend morning. It feels great to do it with our IUBA members who flew all the way here from Korea.”
Although most youths would choose to spend their weekends or holidays to pursue leisure, these volunteers decided to spend it by contributing back to the society they live in. The members are pleased that they can contribute to Singapore, their hometown, keeping it clean and green.
