A youth works at a playground as part of a beautification project organised last week by the Department of Waste Management. (Photo: GIS)

A beautification project organised last week by the Department of Waste Management employed 225 youths between the ages of 11 and 17, officials said.

The project — which was carried out from July 15-19 — saw improvements in each district, according to Government Information Services.

“I am happy to see this initiative continue as it affords our young people another opportunity to interact with the environment and enhance their social responsibility to take care of it,” said Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley. “We are trying to create a more environmentally considerate and responsive community, and the youth is a vital part of the process.”

Education

As part of the programme, participants were also educated about environmental management and the work required to maintain clean surroundings.

DWM Director Marcus Solomon said that each district focused on one project, such as cleaning beaches or roadways or painting buildings or walls. Team leaders, he added, chose the focus areas.

“So far we have been seeing progress photos and I can say that the children are doing a wonderful job,” Mr. Solomon said last week. “We hope to continue this programme and continue to inspire the youth to be more environmentally conscious.”