Kathmandu: The Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI), in partnership with VFS Global, organized a large-scale school cleaning and greening campaign to mark World Environment Day at Bishwamitra Ganesh Secondary School in Kotdada, Lalitpur on June 6. The initiative aimed to promote a cleaner, greener, and more student-friendly learning environment while encouraging environmental responsibility among students and the local community.
More than 120 volunteers, including students, teachers, local community members, and employees of VFS Global, participated in the day-long campaign. Volunteers painted eight classrooms using eco-friendly paints, installed segregated waste bins to improve solid waste management, conducted a comprehensive clean-up of the school premises, and planted 100 saplings to enhance the school’s greenery and biodiversity.
NEDI stated that the initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 730 students and teachers, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, by providing a safer, healthier, and more inspiring educational environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer of VFS Global South Asia, highlighted the importance of corporate volunteerism in environmental conservation. She said, “Protecting our environment requires active, hands-on commitment, and VFS Global is incredibly proud to lead by example through volunteerism. By planting trees, improving waste management, and creating brighter classrooms alongside the community, our employees are directly contributing to a sustainable future. Volunteerism is at the heart of our CSR strategy, and this World Environment Day initiative demonstrates how collective citizen action can safeguard local ecosystems while creating inspiring educational spaces.”
Haribol Acharya, Executive Director of Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI), said the campaign was designed not only to improve school infrastructure but also to cultivate environmental awareness and civic responsibility among young people. He stated, “Our objective is to foster a culture of cleanliness, environmental stewardship, and collective ownership among students and communities. We believe this initiative can serve as a replicable model for community schools across Nepal.”
The school administration expressed their sincere appreciation to VFS Global and NEDI for their valuable support, stating that the initiative has significantly contributed to creating a healthier, more motivating, and student-friendly learning environment.
They stated that the campaign reflected the shared commitment of NEDI and VFS Global to promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and quality education through meaningful community engagement. By combining volunteerism with practical environmental action, the partnership demonstrates how collaborative efforts between the private sector, civil society, and local communities can create lasting positive impacts.
