Whenever life doesn’t seem to go as planned, or we encounter a bump in the road, it’s easy to fixate on those problems and let them consume all of our mental energy. However, when this happens, we run the risk of losing sight of all those things that are going well, which, more often than not, are the things we take for granted in the first place. Generally speaking, it’s pretty safe to say that no matter how bad things get, most of us have those basic necessities that provide for a comfortable and secure life; health, love, shelter, financial stability, and food. Unfortunately, though, there are a lot of people in this world — either clear across it or right in our own backyard — who don’t have basic amenities. Thankfully, students at Beijing’s international schools know not only how to count their blessings, but how to share them as well.
A few took time out of their busy schedules to tell us about the organizations they volunteer with, and what it means to them.
International School of Beijing: Greenkeepers
Founded 2009
Students:
Nadya C., 17 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 3 Years
Sam Y., 17 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 3 Years
Vimala M., 16 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 2 Years
What is Greenkeepers’ mission?
“Our mission statement is to raise awareness of environmental issues in our community to inspire individuals to take action and make our community a ‘greener place’.” – Nadya C.
“The mission statement for Greenkeepers is to inspire environmental awareness through local impacts within communities worldwide. I feel like the trash pickup is a good example of this. Through local impacts (just as picking up trash), we inspire environmental awareness (through interviews and talks with residents).” – Sam Y.
“Greenkeepers believe that every individual makes a difference on the environment and everyone should make our community a ‘greener’ place. Through local impacts and volunteer work, Greenkeepers is committed to raising awareness of the environmental challenges that face us locally and globally, promoting more sustainable practices in everyday life, and raising funds for a variety of environmental causes.” – Vimala M.
Why did you get involved?
“Initially, I was greatly inspired by many environmental organizations around the world that are in action helping various environmental issues. I hoped to take a stand against environmental exploitation and was determined to fight for a better, greener world. Whilez looking for a suitable environment-related student club, my friend introduced me to the perfect answer: Greenkeepers.” – Nadya C.
“I wanted to help increase sustainability in our school and local environment.” – Sam Y.
“When I started at ISB, I was already involved in various environmental clubs in my previous school. Greenkeepers was a club that was interesting for me mainly because of the trash pickups and tree planting activities.” – Vimala M.
What have you learned from your experience volunteering?
“I have participated in several volunteering experiences, one of them being our weekend Trash Pick-up event. Through personal experience in picking up trash by a nearby river, I am fortunate to have obtained more knowledge regarding the causes of the many environmental damages human actions have initiated. Hence, gained a better understanding of how to tackle the problem.” – Nadya C.
“From volunteering, I have learned the true value of personal impact. Even though volunteering and picking up trash may not make a big difference in sustainability, setting a good example for the local residents does make a big impact. Being a small club, we might not always be able to directly make a big influence on the environment, but we can inspire others that, collectively, will build up to make a great impact.” – Sam Y.
“Through volunteering with Greenkeepers, I have learned that volunteering is as important as conducting sustainable projects. It involved directly engaging with the community by going to the trash pickups, I’ve learned that we can make a difference through little steps.” – Vimala M.
What does volunteering and giving back to the community mean to you?
“Volunteering gives me a unique sense of purpose by serving those around me who are in need. Immersing myself in a community not only enriches and broadens my perceptions of the world but also improves my health both physically and mentally. Volunteering allows me to meet new people and have a broad, open-minded perspective of events in life which helps me become an effective and empathetic individual in society.” – Nadya C.
“Volunteering is always a good experience for me, especially in Greenkeepers, because I am not only able to give back to the community by doing something that I enjoy, but I am also able to do so with my close friends. I would say that volunteering has enriched our friendship.” – Vimala M.
Is this your first time volunteering?
“No. I have volunteered in several other events in and out of Greenkeepers, such as raising awareness of the recent climate strike and helping out on one of our ‘trash exchange for food’ fundraising event. ‘Trash exchange for food’ primarily raises awareness regarding recycling and effectively engages students to recycle by receiving ‘trash’ (used paper and recyclable plastic bottles) and exchanging it for a plate of food.” – Nadya C.
“This is not my first time volunteering. Before this, every Sunday I taught 4- to 5-year-old children of our school staff English with another ISB club.” – Sam Y.
Photos: Courtesy of ISB
