By TOBBY PHILIP, UPNG Journalism Student
THE University of Papua New Guinea Adventist Tertiary Student Association (UPNGATSA) led a major clean-up drive at the UPNG VC Oval on Sunday to promote a clean, healthy and God-honouring learning environment.
Students collected piles of rubbish left across the oval by members of the public who gathered there to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Day on September 16.
UPNGATSA president Shane Isana said while Papua New Guineans had the right to celebrate the country’s Independence, that right also came with a responsibility to care for the environment.
“As Papua New Guineans, we have the right to celebrate the country’s Independence, and that right comes with responsibility. Therefore, UPNGATSA took this responsibility to take care of the campus and give back to the community by collecting the rubbish,” Mr Isana said.
He said the initiative was carried out in partnership with the School Representative Council (SRC) and was recognised by the university administration.
The students began the clean-up at 6.30am, collecting rubbish and placing it into black garbage bags before piling the bags together for collection by the university’s garbage truck.
The clean-up ended at 11am, with almost 150 bags of rubbish collected.
Mr Isana said changing people’s mindset and working together on small initiatives could contribute to the country’s development.
“Our mindset matters. If only we have the mindset to develop our country collaboratively by doing these kinds of small things, the country will develop, and it starts small,” he said.
“Small things like collecting rubbish and looking after the environment will lead to big things.”
Following the clean-up, the VC Oval was left clean and tidy as the students’ contribution to the university and wider community.