AJYELN Indonesia Fellows and Green Warriors Organized a Clean-Up and Environmental Awareness Activity During a Soccer Tournament in Kabupaten, Gayo Lues in December

Report by AJYELN Indonesia Fellows

Introduction

On December 20, 2023, Green Warriors organized an environmental activity in Kabupaten Gayo Lues during a high school soccer tournament. The event aimed to target the game audience to involve them in a cleanup initiative and raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal. The activity took place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM local time and involved the participation of students from Seribu Bukit Public High School as well as the local community. Green Warriors seized the opportunity presented by the soccer tournament to empower participants and the local community to be more aware about environmental cleanliness. Members of AJYELN Indonesia hope that through this event, we can raise awareness of the importance of proper waste disposal among the community. 

Details of the event

1. Cleanup Initiative
   The primary goal of the event was to conduct a thorough cleanup of the local environment in Kabupaten Gayo Lues. Participants actively engaged in the removal of litter and waste, contributing to the improvement of the overall cleanliness of the area. The cleanup initiative aimed to create a visible positive change in the immediate surroundings and foster a sense of responsibility among participants. 
2. Awareness Campaign
   Green Warriors organized informative sessions, discussions, and interactive activities to educate participants and local community members. 

Observations and findings

1. Community Engagement
   Observation: Active participation from both students of Seribu Bukit Public High School and local community members was observed.
   Finding: The community’s willingness to engage in environmental initiatives indicates a positive attitude toward environmental stewardship. 
2. Impact on Awareness
   Observation: Increased conversations and discussions among participants regarding waste disposal practices.
   Finding: The event successfully generated a heightened awareness of the significance of proper waste disposal within the community. 
3. Empowerment Effect
   Observation: Participants and the local community displayed a growing sense of empowerment and responsibility toward maintaining environmental cleanliness.
   Finding: The strategic use of the soccer tournament as a platform for empowerment proved effective in fostering a positive change in mindset. 

Through these three facets of the event, Green Warriors and AJYELN Indonesia aimed not only to clean the environment but also to leave a lasting impact on the community’s environmental consciousness. 

Outcome

During the Green Warriors event, the AJYELN team achieved the following outcomes. 

1)　Through the cleaning initiative, together we created a cleaner and more comfortable environment to
　　live in.  

2)　The awareness campaign successfully enhanced the community’s understanding of proper waste
　　disposal practices, fostering awareness of the positive impacts of responsible waste management.  

3)　The empowerment activities for participants and the local community around the soccer tournament
　　instilled an active and responsible attitude toward the environment, turning them into agents of
　　positive change. 

Number of participants

Participants in the Green Warriors event include the AJYELN Indonesia team, students from Seribu Bukit Public High School, and the local community. 

Feedback

The AJYELN Indonesia team, students from Seribu Bukit Public High School, and the local community provided various positive responses to the Green Warriors activity. Here are some gathered feedback: 

1)　Environmental Awareness Improvement
　　Participants stated that the activity effectively increased their awareness of the importance of
　　maintaining environmental cleanliness and the benefits of proper waste disposal practices. 

2)　Physical Environment Changes
　　Some participants noted visible physical changes after the cleanup initiative, creating a cleaner and
　　more comfortable environment. 

3)　Participant Empowerment 
　　The AJYELN Indonesia team and students from Seribu Bukit Public High School welcomed the
　　empowerment activities, expressing that they felt more engaged and responsible for environmental
　　cleanliness. 

4)　Integration with Soccer Tournament 
　　Participants expressed appreciation for the integration of activities with the soccer tournament,
　　considering it a creative way to convey environmental messages to a broader audience. 

5)　Positive Community Relationships
　　Feedback indicated the formation of positive relationships between students from Seribu Bukit Public
　　High School and the local community, creating potential for ongoing collaboration.  

6)　Desire for Sustainable Activities
　　Many participants expressed a desire to see similar activities conducted on an ongoing basis,
　　creating a larger positive impact on the community.

Green Warriors, together with AJYELN Indonesia fellows, students from Seribu Bukit Public High School, and the local community, successfully achieved its goa