Students from Simbu Province attending the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) carried out a campus-wide cleanathon at the Waigani campus on Friday, promoting environmental responsibility, student leadership and a cleaner learning environment.
The volunteer exercise brought together boarding and day students in a coordinated effort to collect rubbish, clear public spaces and improve the appearance of commonly used areas across the university.
Organizers adjusted the schedule to account for expected high temperatures linked to El Niño conditions, encouraging participants to begin early and complete activities before the midday heat.
Volunteers gathered at the Basketball Court before moving out in groups across different sections of campus to sweep walkways, collect waste and remove debris.
The cleanathon was organized as a community service activity designed to strengthen unity among Simbu students while encouraging shared responsibility for maintaining university facilities.
Participants worked collectively throughout the morning to restore common spaces used daily by students and staff.
Refreshments were provided to volunteers in recognition of their efforts and participation during the clean-up.
Organizers thanked students for the strong turnout and said the level of participation contributed significantly to the success of the event.
They said the activity also provided an opportunity for Simbu students to positively represent their province through leadership, teamwork and civic responsibility.
Plans are being considered for similar activities in the future to encourage continued student involvement in campus upkeep and broader community engagement.
Through the initiative, the UPNG Simbu student body demonstrated how student-led action can contribute to environmental awareness, stronger community values and greater pride in the university environment.