Seminar on “Cleanliness: A Measure of Civilization”

Sponsored by Al-Nasser University, a seminar with the motto, ” Cleanliness: A Measure of Civilization” was conducted by Sophistication of Environment for Sustainable Development Organization (SESDO). Organized on the occasion of the National Cleanliness Day, the seminar took place at the University’s campus last Thursday, Dec 15, 2016.

The Seminar aimed at raising the public outreach over the consequences of environmental pollution by casting the light on the individuals’ wrong behavior leading to such problems.

Addressing the audience, Prof. Abdullah Tahish (the Chancellor) explained how cleanliness is a civilized conduct acquired from Islam and traditions. To practice such conduct, everyone must be aware of its important role in protecting the environment. He pointed out to Yemen’s natural components that help keep the environment hygienic.

According to him, celebrating the National Cleanliness Day must be an occasion to change the bad hygienic habits. He, furthermore, invited attendees to play a positive role in maintaining environment.

Dr. Abdulhameed El-Ashwal (The SESDO’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees) stressed the importance of protecting the environmental heritage and system through the implementation of outreach programs that help change individuals’ behavior. Likening the lack of public awareness to the cancer of cleanliness, he noted to the possibility of recycling waste to produce energy.

The first paper was presented by Mr. Jamal Juhaysh (Director of Cleaning Project-Sana’a) over the solid waste management in Sana’a. He discussed the mechanism of waste disposal and suggestions for the recycling process. He reviewed some of the problems that his directorate faces noting to the importance of mobilizing the efforts of the individuals and institutions to reduce such problems.

The second paper was presented by Dr. Jwad El-Wabr (Instructor of Public Health and Environmental Safety) over water and environmental sanitation. He pointed out that environmental pollution is a main reason of water pollution that leads to health problems. According to him, the environmental sanitation and water refinement help limit the spread of diseases.

The last paper was presented by Mr. Mohammed EL-Harazi (Program Executive of Social Development Fund). The paper tackled an applicable model of cleaning mechanism to be carried out by the Fund in collaboration with other institutions. It is meant to restrict the health problems caused by the neglected leftovers with the help community.

The seminar was concluded with Miss. Hibah El-Samaei’s presentation that reviewed a number of ideas for recycling plastic, glass, paper, etc. leftovers so that they can be of daily use.

The seminar’s outcome suggested enhancing the community’s role in solving the health and environmental problems. It also recommended that the state departments and civil organization have to take part in the environmental projects and outreach.