Page 44 - Volt Elevate The World Around Us Book 4

Sunday arrives with excitement. Early in the morning,
people walk from different directions towards the
tall clock tower and the bright blue post office.
Some come on bicycles, some walk along the
footpath and a few elderly people use the foot-
over-bridge to cross the busy road. The children collect
plastic waste, adults plant saplings and shopkeepers
sweep the marketplace. A group of students make
a colourful map of the neighbourhood showing
parks, the school and the library to remind
everyone where to put recycling bins. Some
elders share stories about how in the old days
people travel in bullock carts and send letters
while now, they have speedy buses and instant
messages. As the day ends, Veronica sings happily,
“Clean and bright,
Our future’s light!”

The community decides to have a ‘Green Feast’ after
the cleaning. Long tables are set up in the park
with homemade dishes like steamed rice, fried
vegetables and fresh juice, and everyone
shares food, laughter and stories. Children
recite poems on environment and the librarian
reads out a pledge to keep their surroundings
clean. Veronica feels proud as she sees her
neighbourhood come together, just like
during festivals, but this time for a cause that
will last forever. Veronica ends the evening
with one last rhyme,

“When we work as one,
The good is never done!”

Moral of the Story

This story shows that the environment is everyone’s responsibility and keeping it clean requires
teamwork. Whether it is community helpers, children or elders, each person has an important role.
Celebrations, food and fun bring people together, but caring for our surroundings makes our lives
healthier and happier. This story teaches us that by working hand in hand for sharing, caring and
protecting nature, we create a cleaner, greener neighbourhood for today and for the future.

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