February 2024

By : Wani Wardiah In an inspiring initiative called “Together We Care: Clean for Green,” students from IIUM Pagoh and UTHM Pagoh are joining forces every Saturday from December 9, 2023, to January 27, 2024, to promote environmental responsibility and strengthen campus community ties. Led by the Corporate Social Responsibility Bureau of the Mahallah Representative Committee (MRC) at Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah, this program is more than a routine cleanup—it’s a commitment to sustainable practices and a deeper appreciation for the shared spaces that students call home. The “Together We Care” initiative specifically focuses on cleaning and maintaining the parking areas around both universities’ hostels. Each weekend, students from both institutions come together to tidy these shared spaces, creating a cleaner, more welcoming environment for all. The initiative aims to address three key goals: fostering sustainable and eco-friendly practices, improving the overall campus atmosphere, and building a sense of collaboration and unity between students from IIUM and UTHM. By working towards these objectives, students transform ordinary volunteer tasks into meaningful contributions that reflect a larger commitment to environmental stewardship and communal harmony. What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its alignment with the values and mission of IIUM, which emphasizes Integration, Islamization, Internationalization, and Comprehensive Excellence. Through the “Together We Care” program, students apply these values to everyday activities, integrating a sense of ethical responsibility into environmental work. The initiative also reflects key principles of Maqasid Shariah, such as the preservation of life and intellect, by encouraging students to create a safer and healthier environment. Furthermore, the project supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Partnerships for the Goals. In line with these global standards, the program emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility, collaboration, and community care as essential parts of sustainable development. Each Saturday, students gather for a few hours to clean up their surroundings, a simple yet powerful way to strengthen the campus community and instill values of accountability. The casual, social nature of these sessions allows participants to connect, fostering a sense of camaraderie and pride in their joint accomplishments. Through this program, students experience the power of teamwork and collective responsibility, building connections that extend beyond the campus. The visible, immediate results of their efforts serve as a reminder of the positive impact that small, consistent actions can have on a community.