We will clean it ourselves—keeping these canals clean is our responsibility too,” declared Niha, a spirited fourth-grader from Hazrat Ayesha (RA) Academy, clutching a pamphlet about plastic pollution. At just nine years old, she stood as the Chief Guest at a canal visit and cleanup programme in Kollyanpur, Dhaka, leading a determined group of students proving that age is no barrier to tackling the city’s environmental crises.
In a city choked by plastic waste, it is the youth—armed with curiosity, courage, and a sense of duty—who are stepping up to make a difference.
This inspiring initiative began in an unlikely place: a mosque in Mohammadpur’s Ibn-e-Sina Housing. During a Friday sermon, teachers from Hazrat Ayesha (RA) Academy heard about the “Save Canals, Save City” campaign at Kollyanpur’sNobodigantaAdorsho High School, a part of the PLEASE Project facilitated by Red Orange Limited. Inspired, they brought the idea back to their classrooms.
“This is interesting,” said the Head Teacher. “Our students should take part in such meaningful activities.”
On February 13, Representative of Red Orange visited the academy for a school campaign, distributing pamphlets and encouraging students to ask big questions. “Where does this garbage go? What can we do about it?” Students took these discussions home, engaging their families in conversations about the plastic waste choking Kollyanpur’s canals.
Niha and her classmates didn’t just stop at questions—they carried the message home, showing parents the PLEASE Project materials and starting conversations about the plastic bottles and waste clogging Kollyanpur’s canals.
But they didn’t stop at just talking. Today, students from Hazrat Ayesha (RA) Academy turned awareness into action. Supported by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), they rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on cleanup mission.
When a teacher asked, “What do we have to do with these polluted canals?” Niha’s response echoed through the group: “We clean toilets near our school—why not this too?” With that, the students sprang into action, determined to set an example declaring, “Let’s clean it and show everyone how it’s done.”
As they pulled plastic waste from the water, passersby watched in admiration. Two DNCC Conservancy Officers, Mr. Rokib Hasan and Mr. Abul Hashem, commended their efforts: “We’re proud of you. Saving canals means saving the city—but it’s not just our job. Tell your parents; everyone must step up.”
Teachers looked on, some teary-eyed. “Our students are responsible and empowered,” one said. “Small steps lead to big change.”
Niha, barely taller than the trash bags she carried, became the day’s symbol of hope. Her role as Chief Guest wasn’t just symbolic— it was a testament to the leadership and determination of these young activists. “They’re not waiting for adults to fix things,” said a teacher of Hazrat Ayesha (RA) Academy. “They’re leading by example.”
The impact is already spreading. Students have turned their experiences into homework, photos, and stories which will be showcased through more follow up activities planned as part of the initiative, including exhibitions featuring student homework, photos, and project highlights, online talk shows with students and more community led efforts. It’s a chance for us to see what happens when kids take the lead—a movement born from a sermon, fueled by youthful resolve, and poised to inspire a city.
In a world where environmental problems often seem overwhelming, Niha and her classmates remind us that change starts small—but it starts with us. As they scrub canals and challenge their elders, these young heroes are shaping a cleaner future—one piece of plastic at a time.
