In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) recently, 340 students from Rumginae Primary School in the Western province took part in a massive clean-up and awareness drive, encouraging locals to take responsibility for their rubbish and reduce pollution. The students participated in a cleanathon, tree planting, and showcased drawings and sculptures using recycled plastic to promote this year’s global theme: "Ending Plastic Pollution." Their efforts aimed to inspire the Rumginae station and surrounding communities to adopt better waste habits. Teacher in charge of WED program Ms. Natasha James said clean environment can be maintained if people change their attitudes and behaviors when in public places or in community by not throwing their rubbish. “Do not litter in our towns and community that we live in; control your rubbish. Involving students in such event broadens their minds to inform and educate people in the community on how things around us help us to live,” she said. She noted that students gained valuable lessons from the event, which can help promote a cleaner learning environment and a safer community. Under the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution," both Lower and Upper Primary students from Rumginae showcased their creativity through drawings, plastic-based sculptures, and poems, highlighting ways to reduce plastic waste. Students with the best drawings reflecting the World Environment Day theme were also awarded for their efforts. Children from Rarengre, Rudmesuk, Briompenai, Rumginae, and Menumsore villages — all located along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway — took part, encouraging their communities to learn from them and join the fight against plastic pollution.