Young Environmentalists Tackle Beach Cleanup in Tam Thanh

Every weekend at 5 a.m., more than 20 young children unite on the shores of Tam Thanh, a picturesque mural village located in Quang Nam Province.

Under the guidance of Le Dung, the team leader, they distribute gloves and trash bags, starting the essential task of cleaning the beach.

Inspired by the growing litter on the local beach, Dung founded the “Green Kid Team” in 2022 to foster environmental awareness within the community.

“This initiative not only curbs kids’ screen time but also promotes better health and instills a sense of civic duty,” Dung explained.

The team has expanded from a small group of six to a diverse group of 21 members, ages ranging from just six to 15 years old.

Their hard work not only beautifies the beach but also motivates residents and tourists to be mindful of their environmental impact while visiting.

According to Dung, “Since the team’s establishment, we’ve seen a marked improvement in beach cleanliness, with locals now more conscientious about proper waste disposal. Most of the litter observed is now natural debris rather than littering from the community.”

Despite his modest means as a motorcycle repairman and a father of two, Dung invests nearly 2 million VND monthly to provide breakfast for the young volunteers following their cleanup efforts.

Twelve-year-old Nguyen Nhuan Thao remarked, “Being part of this team for two years brings me joy. Every weekend, I join my friends to tidy up the beach, and it feels rewarding to help the environment.”

Nine-year-old Nguyen Hoang Dinh Cung proudly noted, “I collected two bags of garbage today. Though it was exhausting, seeing the clean beach made me very happy. I hope everyone pitches in to maintain its beauty.”

Truong Thanh Khoi, the Chairman of the Tam Thanh Commune’s People’s Committee, acknowledged the transformative impact the Green Kid Team has had over the last two years. Their actions not only result in a cleaner beach but also inspire community members to engage in environmental protection.

“Recently, the Tam Ky City People’s Committee recognized the contributions of the Green Kid Team in Hoa Trung Hamlet for their dedication to environmental efforts. We’re exploring the possibility of replicating this successful model across other communes,” stated Chairman Khoi.