Climate change is a challenge that requires urgent universal action in order to foster a sustainable future for the coming generations. One of the biggest contributors to environmental degradation is the unchecked proliferation of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic that choke the environment and have devastating effects on a wide range of living species across the ecosystem.
Inspired by the Prophetic tradition which states: ‘Cleanliness is an integral part of faith,’ and guided by the teachings of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who repeatedly emphasises the need for environmental responsibility, Dawoodi Bohras across the world continue their efforts towards a clean living environment for all.
World Cleanup Day is the largest one-day civic action to engage volunteers across 180 countries emphasising the global waste management issue and its impact on the environment.
This World Cleanup Day, The Dawoodi Bohras of the Middle East undertook multiple cleanup and awareness drives across different locations as part of Project Rise, the community’s global philanthropic arm and in keeping with the United Nations’ Sustainable Goals agenda.
Bohra Men, women and children across all walks of life from the Middle East, including professionals, businessmen, doctors, homemakers and teachers participated in the cleanup drives, while strictly following the COVID-19 guidelines.
The Abu Dhabi community saw 40 volunteers brave the hot and humid conditions to undertake a cleanup drive around the Mohammed Masjid Complex and the adjacent Future Needs school to mark World Cleanup Day.
More than 400 members of the Dubai community came together to clean five locations around the community centres in Al Qusais and residential areas in Warqa and Nahda in what was the community’s fourteenth consecutive year of organising cleanup and awareness drives in alignment with the Dubai Municipality’s ‘Cleanup the World’ campaign. Nearly 100 Kgs of waste material was collected in 200 bags.
Nearly 150 volunteers from the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah joined hands with the local municipal body, Bee’ah, in a cleanup drive that saw the clearance of nearly 5 tonnes of waste material in a city locality.
Dawoodi Bohras in Bahrain launched a sustained ‘Clean Our Neighbourhood’ campaign as part of World Cleanup day to pick litter and beautify streets, gardens and beaches.
A beach-cleanup activity was conducted on Al-Jarrim island off the coast of Bahrain in collaboration with Bahrain Diving Volunteer Team Authority. The team spent the day sorting over 1 ton of plastic waste found on the island to dispose of it in an eco-friendly manner.
The Qatar community had 60 volunteers turn up at Freiha Archaeological Site with the mission to Keep Qatar Clean. Nearly a ton of waste was collected in this effort.
Ajman community members picked up plastic and paper waste as part of a cleanup drive to haul paper waste for recycling purposes.
Over 460 volunteers from the Dawoodi Bohras of Kuwait set off in 5 different locations, namely, Kuwait Towers, Khaitan Garden, Hawally, AbuHalifa & Salmiya Garden to pick over 4 tons of waste as part of their campaign to promote a cleaner environment.
The Dawoodi Bohras of Muscat joined hands with Bee’ah, a local organisation committed to achieving the long-term environmental cleanliness goal of the sultanate of Oman, to clean up the Aint Beach in Darsait, Muscat on the occasion of World Cleanup Day. The event was graced by Mr Thuwaiba Alraeesi, Social outreach and Community officer, Oman Bee’ah.
The volunteers cleaned around 500 kilos of waste, and pledged to reduce waste, and collectively uphold the beauty of a clean Oman.