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ASEZ and ASEZ WAO: International Volunteer and Cultural Exchanges Summer 2024
Diverse Environmental Activities Expand to Local Communities Worldwide
As summer vacation began, approximately 960 members of ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, and ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, embarked on an international mission. Starting in late July, these volunteers spent two to three weeks in about 140 cities across 63 countries, participating in a range of volunteer service and cultural exchanges. Their environmental activities, which transcended national boundaries, garnered widespread support and encouragement from various sectors of society.
ASEZ: The Starting Point of Change for a Greener Earth
ASEZ members actively implemented the “Earth Recovery Project,” a key resolution from the Global ASEZ Summit 2024 held last June. Clean-up activities occurred both on and off campuses at various locations, including the University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus, Mzuzu University in Malawi, the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain, Winton Park in Salford, UK, and Sendai Station in Japan, where Korean and local members cooperated. Reports in campus publications and local media outlets helped raise awareness and encourage participation in these environmental activities among students and citizens alike.
Efforts to restore marine ecosystems were underway in various locations, including the Unilag Lagoon Front in Lagos, Nigeria, the Selbe River in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and near the Barangay Lapasan Coastal Road in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Members conducted clean-up activities in areas heavily affected by trash due to high foot traffic from tourists and other visitors, successfully collecting up to 3.6 metric tons of trash.
Tree planting activities focused on reducing carbon emissions and restoring biodiversity received support from local governments. On the Barangay 76-A, Bucana coastal area in Davao, Philippines, 300 trees were planted with assistance from the Davao City Environmental Department, following a beach clean-up, contributing to litter prevention and environmental greening. In addition, in cooperation with the Sabah Forestry Development Authority in Malaysia, 150 seedlings were planted in the Kinarut, Papar region, while 140 trees were planted in the Tree Park, Neredmet, Secunderabad Zone, Telangana, India. In total, approximately 1,800 trees were planted across various countries.
Baruipur College in India recently hosted a forum on “Sustainable Energy,” focusing on solutions to address the country’s environmental challenges. Chancellor Chanchal Kumar Mundal emphasized the critical role of university students in protecting the planet and expressed hope that ASEZ would help raise their awareness. In Oklahoma City, U.S., the Police Department held the “Reduce Crime Together (RCT) Seminar,” which explored various crime prevention strategies. A police official remarked, “It is encouraging to see active cooperation with relevant agencies to enhance safety and peace in the community. Strong solidarity will bring about change and hope,” while encouraging members to participate in these efforts.
Environmental improvement activities focused on crime prevention were actively conducted in various remote locations, including overpasses and parking lots, where members painted vibrant murals and participated in clean-up efforts. At Khamis High School, Mombasa, Kenya, members dedicated two days to painting murals on the school wall. Meanwhile, in San Joaquín, Chile, over 40 members spent two hours collecting 2.5 metric tons of trash along Vicuña Mackenna Avenue. Cristóbal Labra Bassa, Mayor of San Joaquín, expressed his appreciation, stating, “Volunteering is an activity that changes the world, and addressing the need for change is an important issue that each of us must confront today. Thank you for taking the lead in this effort through various volunteer activities.”
In recognition of ASEZ’s proactive efforts in supporting both local communities and global environmental activities, numerous officials, including local government leaders and members of parliament, presented certificates of commendation and appreciation. Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed with key organizations, including the Maharashtra Department of Environment in India and the U.S. Representative Arturo Alonso of Oklahoma, ensuring continued cooperation. Qingyun Diao, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Namibia, highlighted ASEZ’s awareness of the critical impacts of climate change, such as food insecurity, stating, “You are the hope of this nation,” as he signed a supporting signature for ASEZ’s activities.
ASEZ WAO: Creating a Better Future Through Action
ASEZ WAO’s culture exchange and volunteer activities highlighted notable efforts to raise awareness among professionals and citizens worldwide. Environmental seminars and forums were organized in workplaces, government offices, and local churches, presenting ASEZ WAO’s activities such as the “Green Workplace” and “Mother’s Forest” projects. These events emphasized the urgency and importance of environmental protection, encouraging active participation in sustainability efforts.
An environmental seminar at Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, U.S., brought together over 40 ASEZ WAO members and employees, uniting in their commitment to promoting environmental protection in the workplace. Environmental forums at the Auditorium José Antonio Corvera in Puebla, Mexico, Baybay City Hall and the Las Piñas Church in the Philippines, and the Vicente López Church in Argentina attracted government officials, city councilors, and environmental experts. These events provided a valuable platform for discussing practical steps to support sustainable development in local communities, including resource recycling. Philippine Senator Cynthia A. Villar, who participated in the forum at the Las Piñas Church, expressed her hope, saying, “Through ASEZ WAO’s activities, we can pass on a better world to future generations,” and encouraged continued efforts to preserve the beauty of the Philippines.
Practical efforts to clean up the environment and protect ecosystems were conducted through ASEZ WAO’s “Green Earth” and “Blue Ocean” projects. In Jack Roper Reserve, on the outskirts of Hume, Melbourne, around 50 members and citizens worked together to clean riverbanks and walking paths, removing all trash, including large illegally dumped items. Karen Sherry, Deputy Mayor of Hume, endorsed ASEZ WAO’s efforts by signing a supporting signature. In Tigre, Argentina, volunteers cleaned the Puerto Delta de Tigre area. Gabriela Zamora, Tigre City’s Secretary of Government, praised the activity, saying, “I’m pleased to join volunteers committed to environmental protection. Tigre will continue supporting these efforts for a better community.” Meanwhile, in Auckland, New Zealand, over 100 volunteers from ASEZ WAO and citizens, in partnership with Auckland City Council, cleaned up Harania Creek, collecting four metric tons of trash.
The “Mother’s Forest” project was implemented in cooperation with local governments, resulting in the planting of approximately 1,400 plants like morning glory seedlings, tailored to diverse environments. Planting took place at Ramón Cruz Park in Santiago, Chile; Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park in the Philippines; and Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The project garnered attention, with coverage from Thai public broadcasting and Malaysian daily newspapers. Simon Macharia, Ngara Ward Manager, County Assembly of Nairobi, Kenya, expressed his appreciation, stating, “I was moved to see many young people volunteering even on their days off. I believe today’s small actions will change the world.”
Members engaged in meetings with key decision-makers, including a representative from the Maryland State House Representative in the United States, the Mayor of Richmond in the United Kingdom, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Angola, to establish a foundation for future solidarity and cooperation. They also received accolades from various officials, including the Mayor of Harare in Zimbabwe, the Chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Chair of the Subang Jaya City Council in Malaysia. Kim Hee-yeon, an ASEZ WAO member from Seoul who recently visited Pune, India, expressed, “Although it was a short two-week period, it was a meaningful time as I witnessed a change in local awareness of environmental issues through our volunteer activities. I will continue leading efforts to encourage people around the world to participate in environmental activities.”