State school students collect over 220 kilograms of waste in environmental cleanup in Icoaraci
Educational action integrates preparation for World Cleanup Day and strengthens youth leadership in the climate agenda of COP30
More than 200 students from the State School Mestra Idalina Rodrigues Pereira, located in the district of Icoaraci, in Belém, participated last Tuesday (19) in a cleanup effort that collected over 220 kilograms of solid waste. The initiative is part of the program "My Future, My Voice - World Cleanup Day Mission," promoted by the Limpa Brasil Institute in partnership with the Government of the State of Pará, through the State Department of Education (Seduc), with support from the Executive Secretariat of Urban Services of Belém (Sezel) and the Department of Environment (Semma).
During the action, the students walked through the streets and the waterfront of Icoaraci collecting waste and interacting with the local community. In addition to the cleanup, they distributed environmental awareness letters produced by their classmates and presented a parody inspired by the anthem of Pará, addressing the 5 Rs of sustainability: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
"It was an incredible experience. Participating made me realize that small actions can lead to big changes. We, students, can be examples for our families and communities," said Pedro Henrique, a 1st-year high school student.
Towards COP30 with youth leadership
The mobilization is part of the preparations for World Cleanup Day, celebrated in September, considered the largest environmental movement in the world, with participation from over 190 countries. In Belém, the date gains even more relevance as it precedes the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30), which will be held in the capital of Pará in November 2025.
According to the executive director of the Limpa Brasil Institute, Edilainne Muniz, the involvement of youth in caring for the environment reflects the prominent role that Pará has been assuming in the international climate agenda.
"Belém today presents itself as an inspiring example of how environmental education should be structured, with integration between government, schools, and society. This mobilization is a reference not only for Brazil but for the world," she emphasized.
Educational actions continue in schools
In addition to the cleanup, the involved schools continue to develop environmental education activities, such as discussion circles, workshops on recycling and proper waste disposal, as well as the Photography Contest "My Future, My Voice."
The competition will award the best records of the student mobilization, encouraging students' critical and creative perspectives on environmental challenges and solutions in their territories.
