Change through Volunteerism: Airport Cleaning Campaigns

AYON (Association of Youth Organizations in Nepal), its member organizations, YUWA, Management Circle of Purbanchal University (MCPU) and Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) in partnership with Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and UN Volunteers organized an airport cleaning campaign called “Let’s Clean our Airport: Change through Volunteerism” on 30th April, 2011 On this occasion, more than 500 youths came together to clean the only International Airport, Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The program aimed to give a symbolic message regarding Youth’s commitment and dedication towards the issues of the nation by exhibiting some constructive work through volunteerism. More than 500 youths confirmed their participation for this noble event including Mr. Keshav Sthapit, the ex-mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Under-Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The participants were affiliated to various colleges, social work institutions and clubs. The program was held to mark and promote various occasions namely Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), Nepal Tourism Year 2011, International Year of Youth (IYY) and International Year of Volunteerism (IYV + 10). General Secretary of AYON, Brabim Kumar K.C., Program Officer of UN Volunteers, Christian Simmelkiaer, a representative from AOAN, addressed the participants, laid some ground rules and provided moral support to the participants with their words.

Owing to an unexpected heavy rainfall, the program had to be put for a halt. Despite the heavy downpour, most of the volunteers stuck around for over an hour. Overwhelmed by the zeal of the Youths, the organizers held another airport cleaning campaign on the day of Buddha Jayanti, May 17 with a bigger bang.

The program was organized on the occasion of 2555th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha and World Youth Day. Aspirations were met as more than 1000 youths confirmed their participation for this noble cause.

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Khadga Bahadur Biswokarma was also present in this campaign where he called on Nepali youths to contribute to the building of new Nepal. Minister Biswokarma informed that the government is coming up with action plan focusing on youths. He further said Nepali people should work in tandem with the government to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The political parties should bring the peace process to a logical conclusion at a time when Nepal is on the verge of historic transformation, he added.