In celebration of World Cleanup Day, several governorates launched cleaning campaigns under the slogan “With Our Hands, Syria Shines,” with the participation of local councils and community organizations.
Promoting Volunteer Culture
In Aleppo, a group of community initiatives, in coordination with the General Directorate of Local Administration in the governorate, launched the campaign, which includes various neighborhoods in the city, as well as conducting mechanical and manual washing and sweeping workshops to remove waste and improve the city’s appearance.
Several participants highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of volunteering and emphasized that maintaining cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility. They stressed the significance of the campaign in raising awareness and encouraging volunteerism among youth.
The head of the Community Youth Association, Muhammad Jabara, spoke about the campaign’s message aimed at keeping Aleppo clean and raising awareness among children to adhere to cleanliness in their schools, especially with the advent of the new school year.
Enhancing Community Awareness
On this occasion, a comprehensive campaign was launched in Latakia with the participation of the Latakia City Council, the Clean Environment Foundation E-Clean, and several associations and volunteer initiatives.
Ahmad Ismail Hussein, E-Clean director in Latakia, pointed out the role of these campaigns in enhancing community awareness and encouraging citizens to contribute to government efforts towards achieving an urban appearance befitting a tourist-oriented governorate.
In a similar context, the Homs City Council organized a volunteer campaign in cooperation with E-clean and community participation, targeting several main streets in the city. Ammar Dagistani, a member of the executive office for urban affairs in Homs governorate, confirmed that over 50 sanitation workers are involved in the campaign—noting awareness brochures were distributed to residents to encourage them to adhere to cleanliness rules and protect the environment while promoting this culture among their children.
Honoring Sanitation Workers in Khan Sheikhoun
In Idlib, E-Clean honored its workers in the city of Khan Sheikhoun for their continuous efforts to maintain cleanliness and make the city a livable place—following their work clearing rubble from years of destruction due to the war.
Mustafa al-Saleh, head of the Khan Sheikhoun department, considered that honoring workers coinciding with World Cleanup Day sends a message to every individual in society to appreciate the efforts of these workers while encouraging them to commit to cleanliness, as it is everyone’s responsibility.
Muhammad Najm, an E-clean administrator in Khan Sheikhoun, called for World Cleanup Day to be an occasion expressing support, gratitude, and loyalty to those who keep the city clean, beautiful, and habitable.
The campaign also included several other governorates such as Daraa, Quneitra, Tartus and Hama. The United Nations General Assembly adopted September 20 as World Cleanup Day on December 8, 2023. World Cleanup Day is part of a broader global movement aimed at building a more sustainable future.
