Clean WORLD Movement: Fostering Community Pride
In September, WeLoveU members in the United States and Uruguay
carried out the Clean WORLD Movement, enhancing the cleanliness
and beauty of local areas on September 5, 8, and 26.
Creating Safe & Pleasant Spaces
Enhancing the Community’s Positive Image
Promoting Environmental Care Through Ownership
Approximately 110 members and citizens participated in cleaning streets
and parks in Washington D.C., Tampa in Florida, and Montevideo
in Uruguay, collecting over 1,300 kg (2,870 lbs) of waste in total.
In Washington D.C., the Williams Adley Foundation, which provides
accounting and management consulting services to federal agencies,
donated USD $10,000 to WeLoveU for local environmental improvement.
This was used for activities such as repairing park facilities,
planting flowers and trees, and beautifying the area
in collaboration with the foundation’s staff and WeLoveU members.
The Head of Montevideo’s F district, Juan Pedro Lopez, praised WeLoveU’s
efforts to improve the quality of life and the environment in the area,
presenting a certificate of appreciation to WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah.
U.S.
Oxon Run Park in Washington D.C.
September 5
Channelside Drive in Tampa, Florida
September 8
Uruguay
El Tanque and Alicante Streets in Montevideo
September 26
Liz Lainhart, Vice President of the Williams Adley Foundation
“We collaborated with WeLoveU to carry out various beautification activities
in Washington D.C., such as painting park benches and planting trees
and flowers. This work sends a message to the community
about valuing and caring for our local spaces.
Efforts like these, which help everyone enjoy the park,
are a significant benefit to neighbors and the environment.”
Liz Lainhart, Vice President of the Williams Adley Foundation
Rorena Gil, WeLoveU Member
“I participated in this activity to help our residents live in a cleaner
environment. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
I’m proud and happy that today’s efforts have contributed
to improving our neighbors’ quality of life, even just a little.”
Rorena Gil, WeLoveU Member
Shannon Ninan, Citizen
“I’m from Florida and have visited this area often since childhood,
and recently, I’ve noticed an increase in tourists. I think keeping
the area clean is essential to maintaining its beauty. I hope more activities
like this, which instill pride in the community, continue to take place.”
Shannon Ninan, Citizen
Melinda Buck, President of the Williams Adley Foundation
“Our foundation is committed to contributing to the community. Today, we worked on beautifying the park, and I hope citizens will notice and enjoy the positive changes. We’re happy to share our mission of making a positive impact to our community, with WeLoveU. We have created meaningful change in the area, working together.”
Melinda Buck, President of the Williams Adley Foundation
Gimena Vidal, Councilor of Montevideo’s F District, Uruguay
“First, I want to thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for leading this beautiful initiative. WeLoveU members have truly transformed this area. Compared with the environment before the cleanup, it’s now visibly much cleaner. It’s an amazing change.”
Gimena Vidal, Councilor of Montevideo’s F District, Uruguay
Clean and pleasant spaces help reduce daily stress, protect citizens’ health,
and foster a positive perception of the community.
WeLoveU will continue the Clean WORLD Movement, striving to clean
and care for local environments, so that residents can feel pride
in their communities and enjoy greater happiness.
WeLoveU School 2024 ‘Ecological Environmental Education for All’
WeLoveU supports children’s big dreams by providing audiovisual equipment
On August 29, the WeLoveU School 2024 event, titled “Ecological
Environmental Education for All,” was held at the WeLoveU Education Center.
The program, under the theme “Save the World: Small Steps of Global Citizens1,”
offered a valuable opportunity to learn about the importance of environmental
protection in the face of the climate crisis and encouraged participants
to take small, collective steps for the well-being of our planet.
1 Citizens as entities that make up the world reflects the view
that the world is one country and humanity is the people of the one country.
Sixty adult female members from Seongnam City attended the education
on this day. With a focus on practicing environmental protection starting from
the smallest unit of society—the family—mothers took the lead in the initiative.
After an ice-breaking session aimed at fostering communication
and bringing laughter among participants, the atmosphere became
more relaxed, allowing the formal education session to begin smoothly.
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Lee Seung-eon of WeLoveU
stated, “As climate disasters increase, the need to support our neighbors
around the world grows stronger, making the role of environmental leaders
in responding to climate change crucial. In these times, if mothers take on
the role of environmental leaders in their homes, they can cultivate
environmental awareness within their families, communities,
and ultimately the world, leading to significant change.”
He warmly welcomed the members participating in the education.
Everyone Should Pursue Carbon Neutrality for Sustainability
At 1:30 PM, Kim Ock-hyeon, Vice President of the
Korea Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature,
delivered a special lecture titled “The Climate Crisis and the Ecological Crisis.”
“This year, the surface temperature has reached the hottest level in 100,000
years,” began Vice President Kim. He explained that due to increasingly severe
climate issues, we may lose the ecosystem services2 we have long benefited
from. Using various statistical data, he clearly illustrated the serious impacts
of climate change and ecosystem destruction on both humanity and the planet.
2 It refers to the benefits that humans receive from water, energy, clean air, and the various functions and activities of ecosystems in nature.
He also emphasized the importance of carbon neutrality for achieving
a sustainable life and environment, urging everyone to actively engage
in environmental activities such as practicing “BMW (Bus, Metro, Walk),”
participating in cleanups, and planting trees. He expressed admiration for
WeLoveU members, saying, “They’re already putting these practices into action,”
and extended his gratitude to those who continue their environmental efforts.
The participants reflected on the fact that the climate crisis and ecological
crisis are issues directly tied to the survival of all humanity.
Big Changes From the Small Steps
of Global Citizens in the Climate Crisis
After the special lecture, the participants were divided into two groups
to engage in group activities. In the experiential activity titled
“We Are Connected by One Thread,” participants formed a circle and responded
to the question, “When do you feel connected to the world?” as they tossed yarn
to one another, creating an intricate network. Each time someone dropped
or shook the yarn, they felt the movement pass through the circle,
gaining a tangible understanding of the interconnectedness of the world.
In the following activity titled “Small Steps of Global Citizens,”
participants used materials created by WeLoveU
to share their opinions on environmental protection activities
and collaboratively discuss solutions to environmental issues.
After the presider showed beautiful images of natural environments from
around the world, including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Pink Sands Beach
on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, she presented photos of trash-covered
areas such as the Chilean desert and the Citarum River in Indonesia,
which elicited gasps of dismay from the participants. When the presider stated,
“The trash we carelessly discard is damaging our beautiful Earth,”
the participants nodded in agreement,
deeply resonating with the seriousness of the environmental issues.
The members concluded the group activities
with an understanding of prioritizing the Earth over personal needs.
They reaffirmed their commitment to creating a world where the planet
and humanity coexist harmoniously by engaging in “small steps,”
such as the Clean World Movement and Zero Waste initiatives.
WeLoveU will continue to inspire more people to take an interest in
and actively engage in environmental protection through various
educational programs, striving to create a greener Earth.
We hope that the collective small actions of global citizens
will come together to achieve the goal of saving the Earth’s environment.
Worldwide Clean WORLD Movement 2024
Have you heard the saying, “Cleaning adds positivity to life by attracting
good things”?Cleaning holds more power than we often realize.
Picking up plastic waste from the streets not only contributes to carbon
neutrality but can also reduce crime rates by keeping streets clean.
The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, led by Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah,
has been actively conducting the Clean WORLD Movement to improve
local community environments for the sake of our neighbors and our planet.
This year, from June 1 to August 11, the Worldwide Clean WORLD Movement
was carried out in celebration of World Environment Day (June 5).
WeLoveU members and citizens joined hands in 23 cleanup activities,
collecting approximately 17 metric tons of waste across mountains,
rivers, beaches, parks, and streets in 13 countries,
including the United States, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Peru.
☘ Cleanups in Polluted Areas ☘
Orlando East in Johannesburg, South Africa
Coghlan Road in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Macalong Riverside in Urdaneta, the Philippines
Dounegnon Adidogome in Golf Lome, Togo
☘ Clean World Movement, Clean Local Community ☘
Cristina Mendez, Counselor of GORE La Libertad, Peru
“I’m so happy to participate in WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement. I express my respect and gratitude to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for this incredible efforts. I will continue to join WeLoveU.”
Cristina Mendez, Counselor of GORE La Libertad, Peru
Margarita Lopez, Head of Environmental Education Department at Asunción City Hall
“I took part in WeLoveU’s wonderful work. The members who dedicate themselves to harmonizing humanity and the Earth, through cleaning and caring the community, are truly amazing. Please support WeLoveU in fully carrying out its remarkable work for humanity and the Earth.”
Margarita Lopez, Head of Environmental Education Department at Asunción City Hall
Katie Cashin, Staff at Life Sciences Associate, U.S.
“We collaborated with the WeLoveU Foundation today to paint and brighten an outdoor community shelter. I’m grateful to the volunteers who made it possible. It was a joy to work with WeLoveU, which is doing remarkable things worldwide.”
Katie Cashin, Staff at Life Sciences Associate, U.S.
“Thank You for Your Love”
“Dreaming of a Beautiful and Clean World”
WeLoveU continues carrying out the Clean WORLD Movement,
making local communities cleaner and safer.
The healthy future of humanity depends on our determination and actions.
Please join the WeLoveU Clean WORLD Movement!
Keep Mom’s Garden Clean and Beautiful
On July 14, WeLoveU members in Nepal, together with local citizens,
organized a special activity at Tiktok Selfie Park
(Mahadebthan New Park) in Chandragiri.
They carried out the Clean WORLD Movement,
tending to the Mom’s Garden, which was established last April.
The members promoted healthier tree growth by weeding,
fertilizing, and pruning, while also collecting approximately
one metric ton of waste from the park’s surroundings.
It was a joyous event for WeLoveU members and Chandragiri city officials,
who gathered a year after planting the saplings,
to continue their cooperation in maintaining Mom’s Garden.
Sanjay Sigdel, Chairperson of Ward No. 6, Chandragiri Municipality
“We need to protect the environment to save our lives. That is why we must take care of this place and keep it clean. Our municipality will continue to conduct tree planting and cleanup activities. We are committed to supporting this park so it becomes a more beloved and well-maintained space. Thank you, WeLoveU!”
Sanjay Sigdel, Chairperson of Ward No. 6, Chandragiri Municipality
Binay Sigdel, Chairperson of the Management Committee of Tiktok Selfie Park
“We returned today for this cleanup, after planting trees here last year. With the help of WeLoveU, the park has become what it is today. Thanks to WeLoveU, the park has taken on its current form. WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah has made a significant contribution to the creation of parks in our ward. On behalf of our community residents, I extend my heartfelt thanks to her.”
Binay Sigdel, Chairperson of the Management Committee of Tiktok Selfie Park
Ram Prasad Subedi, Member of the Management Committee of TikTok Selfie Park
“WeLoveU’s ongoing monitoring has been greatly helping the park’s upkeep. Many residents are enjoying an improved environment in the park. We will work together to make this park an iconic place of our community. Your interest and support provide a big help for us. Please continue supporting the growth of this park.”
Ram Prasad Subedi, Member of the Management Committee of TikTok Selfie Park
WeLoveU will continue to take care of Mom’s Garden to make the community
even more beautiful. Please continue to show interest in the future
Mom’s Gardens that will be established throughout Nepal.
Gardening at Kangemi Recreational Park in Kenya
This is the Kangemi Recreational Park in Nairobi, Kenya.
Last October, the Moms’ Garden Project planted a vibrant green lawn,
which has now flourished. Unfortunately, it also became entangled with weeds.
On June 23, in cooperation with the Westlands Sub-County Office,
WeLoveU members revitalized the area by trimming the lawn
and removing weeds, transforming it into a relaxing space for residents.
The members also cleaned up the surrounding streets.
picking up even the smallest pieces of household waste
and leaving the area noticeably cleaner.
WeLoveU is dedicated to creating and maintaining Moms’ Gardens
around the world, fostering clean and healthy environments
that enrich daily life and provide beautiful spaces for communities to enjoy.
Making Children’s Dream Sites Greener
WeLoveU members in Queretaro, Mexico,
arrive at Andres Balvanera Primary School with excited faces.
Today, they are making the children’s dream site greener by planting trees.
While the school was closed due to COVID-19, the garden trees withered,
and restoration has yet to be completed.
The Department of Education of Queretaro State,
which had plans to repair the school facilities and replant trees, reached out
to WeLoveU for assistance after learning about its Mom’s Garden Project.
On June 2, WeLoveU members carefully planted 50 saplings,
including glossy privet and pomegranate trees, which thrive
even in challenging environments and will grow tall enough to take care.
Officials from the Department of Education
and the Department of Agricultural Development of Queretaro State,
along with over a dozen children, joined in to help restore the school garden.
☘ Before and After ☘
Yolanda Aceves González, Forest Conservation Supervisor at Queretaro’s Department of Agricultural Development
“I’m very proud to be involved in tree planting with WeLoveU, which is dedicated to protecting the environment. I’m very pleased with that the Mom’s Garden project is especially valuable because it teaches civil society, especially children, to protect the environment and trees.”
Yolanda Aceves González, Forest Conservation Supervisor at Queretaro’s Department of Agricultural Development
Maria Teresa Lopez Aguila, Institutional Support Coordinator at the Querétaro's Department of Education
“Since last year, teachers, students, and parents have worked together to improve the academic environment through the ‘With Schools’ program. Planting trees is one of them. I believe that activities like the Mom’s Garden Project can change the world. You’ve set an inspiring example for our children, helping them grow into people of good deeds. I hope that your positive energy and passion will continue. Thank you very much.”
Maria Teresa Lopez Aguila, Institutional Support Coordinator at the Querétaro's Department of Education
Perla Isabel Resendiz Quevedo, Head of ‘With Schools’ Program at Querétaro's Department of Education
“We encourage children to participate in environmental education and teach them how to protect nature. The Mom’s Garden Project is an enterprising and dynamic initiative. It also plays an important role to cope with climate change. Please continue this work without pause. We will work with you to preserve the natural environment.”
Perla Isabel Resendiz Quevedo, Head of ‘With Schools’ Program at Querétaro's Department of Education
On the same day, WeLoveU members
also planted an additional 50 trees in their own communities.
WeLoveU is committed to making the natural environment
greener and more beautiful through the Mom’s Garden Project.