More than ten young individuals gathered over the weekend to participate in a cleanup event along the Lovu Seaside coastline in Lautoka. This initiative, known as “plogging,” which combines jogging with picking up litter, aimed to promote environmental awareness and encourage youth involvement in peace-building activities.
The cleanup was organized as part of a broader peace and wellness initiative by the international NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). Teaming up with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the One Nation Our People Youth Club Fiji, the event operated under the theme “Creating Peace and Eliminating Dengue Breeding Grounds.” It specifically targeted health issues arising from litter, stagnant water, and the spread of diseases such as dengue fever.
HWPL officials emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The plogging activity was not just about picking up trash — it is about creating a sense of shared responsibility.” They highlighted the connection between a clean physical environment and the well-being of the community.
In addition to cleaning up the coastline, the program also featured the “Healthy Bounce Challenge,” a fitness session designed to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. A reflective segment encouraged participants to discuss their roles in peacebuilding and the desired changes in their communities.
The organizers expressed hope that such initiatives could expand to other Fijian communities in the coming months, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and youth involvement in fostering a peaceful society.
This event shares a vision with similar clean-up activities across Fiji, where community members are increasingly engaging in environmental efforts, showing a unified commitment to improving public health and enhancing the beauty of their surroundings. The collaborative spirit witnessed in these efforts offers a hopeful outlook for sustained environmental care in the region.
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