Our group conducted multiple awareness sessions and practical activities as part of our Millennium Fellowship project, focusing on waste management, climate change, and health & well-being.
1. Session at Advance Health Institute:
We visited Advance Health Institute and delivered a presentation on the harmful effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and human health. Approximately 200 students and 7 faculty members attended the session. Many participants shared that they had never realized the extent of the damage caused by waste before our presentation. Through interactive discussions and informative slides, we aimed to educate and motivate the audience to adopt responsible waste management practices and become more conscious of their impact on climate and personal health. This session successfully raised awareness and encouraged positive behavioral change among students and faculty.
2. Awareness Session at Our University:
We conducted another session at our university, gathering students from different departments. About 90 students participated. As part of the session, we purchased two dustbins (one yellow and one green) with our own funds and explained which type of waste should go into each bin. Afterwards, we visited the CDA Nursery to discuss plants and our upcoming plantation drive for climate change. The CDA Nursery director approved 200 plants, which we will receive in February 2026 due to winter, and we plan to conduct the plantation drive at our university and other schools and colleges.
3. Rawal Lake Clean-Up Drive:
Our group coordinated with the university and CDA to conduct a clean-up drive at Rawal Lake. Our team of 5 fellows, along with 2 additional members and 25 university students, participated in this activity. During the drive, we collected 4 tons of waste, significantly cleaning the lake. This activity provided students with practical environmental experience, teamwork skills, and an understanding of community responsibility.
4. University Ground Clean-Up:
We also conducted a small clean-up drive at a ground near our university (approximately 3 km away). Only Millennium Fellows participated. We collected 5 large plastic bags of waste and placed them on one side. We then informed CDA to ensure proper disposal. This activity helped students gain practical awareness and demonstrated the importance of environmental responsibility and community cleanliness.
5. Millennium Fellowship Awareness Session:
Our group conducted a short session in the Environmental Health Science & Management Department and Public Health Department to explain the benefits of the Millennium Fellowship, how to apply, and the opportunities it provides. As a result of this session, about 60 students applied for the class of 2026. This small discussion helped students explore professional development opportunities and was aligned with the Millennium Fellowship goals of awareness, mentorship, and engagement.
Overall, our project combined awareness sessions, practical clean-up activities, and student engagement to promote environmental responsibility, climate action, and health consciousness. All activities helped create positive behavioral change, provided hands-on learning experiences, and laid a strong foundation for future sustainability initiatives.