And while some youths are taking to racy exhibitionism in the streets, today we found others, cleaning it up. A group of university students were in the streets cleaning up the downtown area. Keith Swift found out what they were doing.
Keith SwiftReporting,
This afternoon this group of University of Belize students proudly wore bright yellow SE:L t-shirts and traded in their books for rakes, their pens for gloves, and their school bags for garbage bags. Rushaun Loriano says they are doing it for a school project and the reason why they chose the downtown area is obvious.
Rushaun Loriano, UB Student
"We chose Albert Street because this morning when we walked pass Albert Street we noticed that the street was dirty and by the time we came out, it still had dirt and we still did our part. Basically what we are doing is an environmental project for our class at UB and we are just stewards showing our appreciation for the environment."
Prominent among the group is city councilor Phillip Willoughby. He says this time his digging in the drain is strictly educational, not political.
Keith Swift,
"Is this an indication that SEL and BML are not doing their job?
Phillip Willoughby,
"Of course not."
Keith Swift,,
You are a politician, is this political?
Phillip Willoughby,
"No. I believe that being out here, is demonstrating that from the University's perspective that we are students who care about our city."
As first year college students, this is not something 17-year-old Stephen Panton and Jaselle Young thought they would be doing. But both want an 'A' on their school project so they are doing it. They both say the couple hours in the sun has inspired a new appreciation for sanitation workers.
Jaselle Young, UB Student
"In a way I found out what the people who do this go through for a living and what they do to try a means for living. It doesn't feel anyway. I understand what SEL workers are going through because I am doing this."
Keith Swift,
How has it been?
Jaselle Young,
"It has been kind of easy but it is hot and that drains out your energy."
Stephen Panton, UB Student
"We are trying to compete a project and at the same time we are doing something good for the environment."
Keith Swift,
So what is it like being out here with a rake and picking up garbage?
Stephen Panton,
"It is different. It is not something I am used to...it doesn't really feel good. We wouldn't have gotten the sense of how it really feels because we aren't doing half of the work the SEL workers usually do. They are out here on the streets from morning it is really tough on them."
The project is for an environmental science class.
