Sunday, October 24, 2010

Dan Brige Za Okolis

                Did you know that it takes 10 to 12 years for a cigarette butt to decompose?  10 to 20 years for a plastic bag?  200 to 500 years for a beer can? Never for Styrofoam.
On Saturday, October 23rd, the United World College in Mostar hosted its second annual Community Care Day (Dan Brige Za Okolis).  The aims of this coordinated effort, led by the Environmental Council were to physically clean up several central locations throughout Mostar, to raise community awareness regarding environmental issues, and finally, to unite people from all over the city towards a common goal.
It was a clear and beautiful day, the plan was to clean three locations throughout Mostar – Spanish Square and around our school, Susac Stairs, leading to our residence, and the Partisan’s Memorial, which used to be an imposing tribute to the people, but has declined into a local hang-out for drunks and druggies, covered in litter.  It was a big task to take on in only one day – and many hands were needed.
In Spanish Square we were joined by students from Gymnasia as well as a near-by Economics School.  Surprisingly, when a group arrived at Susac Stairs they were already clean!  Thanks to a political student group, who then proceeded to join UWC students in cleaning the stairs opposite the stadium.  We could have been very proud of just these accomplishments – but the work continued. 
The Partisan’s Memorial posed a daunting challenge, and upon arrival people were stunned by the quantity of garbage covering the white stone monument, and filling a pool which was once upon a time a symbolic fountain.  Dani, a second year from Spain said, “It was too dirty to be real.” 
Sara, an American first year commented, “The coolest part for me was to see how the community outside of our school came together to work with us.  After the day finished I felt really tired, but very content, and proud of the work we did.”
“For me, it was really pleasing to see the results, to compare before and after and see that we actually made a big difference,” said Lusia, a Belarusian first year.
Our work was very visible, not only the change in the surrounding, but the piles of garbage bags waiting to be taken away.  The garbage bag statistics include 25 bags from Spanish Square, 40 from the stairs, and a whopping 130 from the Partisan’s Memorial!
Even though so much work was done, and great progress was made – there is still much to do, if we want to make the Partisan’s Memorial trash free – a goal for the future.  “Taking into consideration the number of people that were present, we did a great job and made a difference,” said Marina.  She went on to explain her disappointment in the people who created this huge mess, as well as the many people who did not take the responsibility to clean it.
Summarizing many feelings, Mirwais, a third year Austrian-Afghani student, bluntly stated, “Shit happens, but you can change it.”  Our goal was to change it.
Another continuing initiative is implementing a joint recycling program between UWCiM and the two gymnasia curricula.  As well as cleaning, students painted and prepared recycling bins to distribute throughout the school.  This was also the beginning of an environmental awareness advertising campaign - distributing informational posters around the city.
On behalf of the Environmental Council we want to profoundly thank all the people who came, and strive to make this city a clean safe environment.  We especially want to thank teacher advisor Jasminka, and everyone who made the day logistically possible.  You are my heroes.
“I’m excited about what we can do next time.  With more people we can make even more progress, and continue making this city and this world a better place,” said Maggie, another American first year.
A message to citizens of Mostar, and of the Earth – this is all of our responsibilities, take each opportunity to take pride in the place you live, and keep it clean.

Written by Hilary Johnson
Edited by Maggie Bursch