Youth Ambassador of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Challieze Boodoosingh, 22, has taken a brave step by starting an NGO–Helping Humanity Foundation (HHF).Boodoosingh was moved to start the foundation during a visit to the Caura River, a popular liming spot.
"I saw tonnes of garbage there and it ached my heart. What an eyesore at such a wonderful natural place. I just had to do something about it," Boodoosingh said.
"I was approached by forestry officer Vijay Singh, who actually asked me to help out the situation in my role as EMA Youth Ambassador. That was the moment my friend, Nafisah Ali and I decided to launch this NGO," she added.
The HHF conducted its first major project, a restoration project at Caura River Pool 2 on July 23, with a major clean-up campaign.
In that project, Boodoosingh said it was a huge success and thanked Tunapuna/Piarco MP Esmond Forde and Lavantille East/Morvant MP Adrian Leonce for attending and pledging their support.
Boodosingh is expected to meet with Forde to further discuss her initiative.She is now in the process of constructing bins and carat sheds. She plans to also see to it that bathroom facilities are built at the Caura Pool 2.
"Nature trails and bird watching tours will be a plus to have at the Caura Park," Boodoosingh said.
Boodoosingh said it had been a bittersweet experience for her since the launch of the NGO in June, but added that she was adamant to take it as a "blessing in disguise."
"It opened a new avenue for us to not just function under environmental doctrines but to also look closely at the humanitarian aspect also," she explained.
Boodoosingh said she was hopeful that in the next five years her NGO would be well-known and established.
"We hope to raise the awareness and educate the public about serious concerns such as global warming, pollution, endangered animals, water safety and conservation," she said.
"We must remember that we humans are temporary but the earth is eternal. We must protect it or else there will be no more forests or drinking water," she added.
Boodoosingh said that unfortunately the river was now at risk because of pollution from pesticides and fertilisers along with excessive amounts of litter due to the lack of maintenance and abuse by visitors.
The cleanup was followed by a fun day and various activities such as a curry duck cookout, beer pong, river race and all-fours competitions.