Like America, Pakistan has its high class neighborhoods and its slums. However, while the quality of the good neighborhoods sometimes exceeds even those of the US, Pakistan's slums are virtually second to none. Even a number of middle to lower-middle-class neighborhoods are filled with litter, garbage and layers of grime and dust.

How clean an individual is, how neat his or her home is, does not and should not be a reflection of how much money s/he has. Rather, Pakistanis of all classes must maintain a high standard of cleanliness which is line with Muslim and Pakistani values.

Karachi, in the 1950s, used to be a world class city in terms of cleanliness. Today, most of it looks like a junkyard except for the richer areas.

You can instill the ethic of clean in at least one neighborhood in Pakistan. Here are some steps you can take to put a neighborhood cleanup in place:

1. Choose a neighborhood in Pakistan to start with. Preferably, pick one in which you have relatives or close friends. That way, not only will you have someone who can help you pull off this project, but you will also gain the trust of other neighbors if your relative or friend is someone they respect too.

2. Talk to your friend about your idea. Stress the need for the cleanup, its positive effects on the neighborhood, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also for the general health and hygiene of everyone.

3. Arrange a neighborhood meeting. Have your relative or friend chair it and introduce you and your idea. Explain to your audience the need for this project. Tell them that cleanliness is part of a Muslim's lifestyle, and this cleanliness does not just apply to the individual, but also to his/her home, family and neighborhood.

Sell the idea by discussing the advantages for them and their children, such as a more beautiful environment and less sickness due to the dust and dirtiness present in the neighborhood. Distribute written information in the local language about the need for cleanliness and its impact on health.

4. Ask for volunteers during the meeting. Explain that volunteers would not have to make a large time commitment. All they would have to do is agree to help clean up the neighborhood at least once a month. You will take care of providing the tools that they need (i.e. garbage bags, bins, a dumpster, etc.).

This is your cleanup committee. Establish one responsible person as its head.

5. If the trash collection in the neighborhood rarely or hardly ever takes place, then give the agency in charge of it a call. Explain that in a neighborhood meeting, residents of this area agreed to clean up the neighborhood once a month, and they need the cooperation of the garbage collection team to ensure the neighborhood stays clean. Invite them to the next clean up so they can witness it themselves.

6. Buy the necessary material for the cleanup: bags, gloves, bins, a dumpster where everyone can put their garbage, soap or environmentally safe cleaning agents. If possible, see if you can arrange to have gifts for the cleanup participants as an incentive as well as an encouragement for those who aren't participating.

7. Among those who can read and write, provide them with the necessary materials to make signs in the local language which remind neighbors about the importance of cleanliness, as well as to not litter, to throw garbage in bins and the dumpster, etc.

7. On the day of the cleanup, bring a camera or videorecorder to document the activity so that you can record everyone's participation, as well as have a "before and after" picture of the neighborhood.

The cleanup should focus on picking up litter from the street, bagging it, putting it in into the dumpster, as well as sweeping sidewalks of glass and other dangerous things. Also, the signs that were made should be posted in heavy traffic areas where everyone passing by can see them. In addition, garbage bins should be installed on almost every corner and chained to a pole or to the ground (in case someone tries to steal it. Yes, this probably happens in America too).

8. Have another meeting after the cleanup. Invite the local mayor as well as the person in charge of garbage pickup to see the video or pictures of the cleanup, as well as discuss with local residents how they can help keep their area looking clean.

You can also suggest that committee members pay a small amount each to pay someone or a team from the neighborhood to clean once a month or every few months when it's not possible for residents to organize a cleanup. That will show the local authorities that residents are serious about keeping the neighborhood clean and it will provide employment for those who don't have jobs in the area.

9. Once you return to America, make sure to keep in touch with the committee head and offer help when needed.

10. Try to collect funds from Pakistani-Americans in your community to fund and support this project. The costs of cleaning materials may not be possible to cover for the neighborhood members. A little from their financially well off brothers and sisters in America can go a long way.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:47:45 PM

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