CYA volunteers pose for a group photo during the clean-up campaign at Nkulumane Complex on Saturday. (PHOTO: Courtesy of CYA)
By MKHOKHELI K. ZIBENGWA
In a bid to tackle the environmental challenges plaguing Nkulumane Complex and its surrounding areas, the Roman Catholic Church Archdiocese of Bulawayo's Catholic Youth Association (CYA), under the auspices of the Soweto Deanary, embarked on a clean-up campaign on Saturday.
The initiative, which drew a significant number of volunteers, aimed to address the pressing issues of littering, pollution, and neglect in the community.
The CYA, driven by its commitment to environmental stewardship and synodality, organized the event in line with the resolutions of 2024 to maintain a clean environment. The campaign not only promoted a sense of responsibility among the youth but also demonstrated their dedication to caring for creation.
In an exclusive interview, Takudzwa Martin Mindu, Chairman of the Soweto Deanery Catholic Youth Association, shared details about the campaign.
"We focused on Nkulumane 12 complex and the surrounding areas, where we conducted a synodal walk from Nkulumane Complex to Nkulumane Five Holy Spirit"
"We also had a group carrying a banner to raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability, and to engage Catholic youth and the community in environmental action," he explained.
The clean-up campaign yielded a significant amount of waste, including plastic bottles and containers, food wrappers and packaging, paper products, glass bottles and windows, metal cans and foil, as well as recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and sharp objects. The volunteers carefully collected and separated the waste into bin liners, piling them in one corner for the council garbage truck to collect.
A remarkable 80-100 volunteers participated in the clean-up campaign, all of whom wore protective gear and followed safety guidelines when handling litter and waste. The CYA ensured that the litter was sorted and disposed of properly, minimizing environmental impact.
Through this initiative, the CYA successfully promoted environmental awareness and encouraged community involvement in cleanup initiatives.
Speaking about the impact of the campaign, Mindu emphasized, "Our main goal was to raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability, and to engage Catholic youth and the community in environmental action. We believe that by working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally conscious community."
This commendable effort by the CYA serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally conscious future for the people of Nkulumane and beyond. As the youth continue to take action, their dedication to creating positive change in their communities is truly inspiring.
