UMHLANGA’S McAlery siblings are on a mission to tidy up and beautify the area they live in.
Shea, Siobhan and Kieran have adopted the Durban North Police Station as one of their clean-up projects, and have maintained the area outside the building since 2020.
“Two years ago, when Covid-19 came about, a lot of community initiatives could no longer take place due the large number of people who attended,” said Siobhan.
“My mom was introduced to Helen Koch from EnviroFixers and this is how we became involved in various projects.
The siblings, who are part of a bigger group of clean-up activists, have painted the walls, cleaned up the flag posts and maintained the garden area outside the police station.
As part of their own initiative, the family has installed new pots and planted new plants in them.
They also cleared the garden beds of weeds and maintain them.
“When people come to the police station, they must feel safe and comfortable, which is the atmosphere we want to create by keeping the outside clean and tidy,” she said.
Siobhan and her brother, Kieran, are currently involved in The President’s Award programme, which requires them to complete 75 hours of voluntary community work per year.
The programme is aimed at upskilling young people and grooming them to reach the full potential.
The duo are working towards their gold President’s Award, and Shea is currently completing his bronze.
Cleaning up Bridgevale Park was the first project the siblings attended.
“We cleared out all of the alien plants, and then got involved in other initiatives with EnviroFixers,” said Kieran.
“You have to be proud of where you live and make sure your home looks good. It’s about having a sense of pride. Hopefully more people can also adopt an area and help out,” said Shea.
Kieran said that part of his school curriculum entails 15 hours of community service each year.
“It would be great if other schools adopted the same policy. There would be greater improvement,” he said.
The siblings plan to tackle the pavement outside the police station, which is in need some tender loving care.
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