ASEZ and UPR Cleanup in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Guaynabo Receives Tidying Up from Student Volunteers

ASEZ student volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God carried out an environmental cleanup in the town of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Due to a variety of circumstances, there have been difficulties in maintaining the green spaces of the municipality. For this reason ASEZ decided to carry out their “Reduce Crime Together” cleanup initiative. “Reduce Crime Together” is based on the premise that where there’s an appearance of disorder, crime is more likely to occur. However, crime is less likely to occur in places that are well-maintained. With this in mind, the students of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, who are also members of the Church of God, took action, embracing the community with the heart of Heavenly Mother.

On Sunday, December 2, about 28 volunteers gathered at the municipality of Guaynabo at 9 a.m. They took up the mission of cleaning and beautifying the green areas of the most transited entrances of the municipality. To accomplish this, the members divided themselves by area and worked on specific tasks. This not only allowed for great organization but also for the work to be completed in harmony and joy. The volunteers removed garbage from Los Frailes Avenue, Sector Canta Gallo, Mariquita Sector, and the entrance of the Santa Paula Urbanization. They also mowed the lawns of Sector Canta Gallo, Mariquita Sector, and Santa Paula Urbanization.

ASEZ Inspires and Sets an Example

Despite the scorching heat, the members worked hard without complaint. While the members carried out the cleanup, citizens passed by applauding and congratulating them. Although the young volunteers worked in the hot weather for two hours, they finished each task.

Additionally, Gonzalo Ramirez, the coordinator and assistant of Guaynabo’s mayor, Angel Perez Otero, visited each area, praising the volunteers for their efforts. He was very moved and happy to see young college students and church members volunteer with such passion and joy. Moreover, Ramirez hopes to continue working with ASEZ. In doing so, he hopes other citizens will be motivated to also take action in Guaynabo, with the same joy and love of God displayed by the university students.

At the end of the event, the student volunteers expressed their desire to continue doing volunteer services with the fervor to change the world. Seeing young people carry out volunteer work with such vigor is not so common in today’s society. ASEZ hopes to continue this trend in other regions around the world, getting students involved to create a better future for themselves and their neighbors.