Over 950 scouts and their families from the Saudi Scouts Society have succeeded in removing 24 tons of garbage from an area of ten sq km in Raud Al-Khafs. Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad, Minster of Education, launched the scheme, part of the National Scheme for Protection of Environment, under the motto: “For a Better Environment at Raud Al-Khafs”. “I couldn't believe there was that much waste in the area,” said Mohammed Al-Beklahid, whose whole family took part in the voluntary cleanup. “This shows the dire need for voluntary events like this to protect the environment from rubbish and waste.” “We are regular visitors to this beautiful park, and removing the garbage has made it even more beautiful. It is the visitor's duty to keep it clean,” said another participant, Suleiman Al-Rashid. Salem Al-Ahmadi said his family learnt from information leaflets about the importance of keeping the environment clean. “So I brought my family to help clean up the park,” Salem said. “We have learned a lot from the experience, especially the value of collective voluntary work.” Ten-year-old Muhammed said littering was a bad habit that spoilt the appearance and beauty of the area. “Everyone should stop it and learn to keep the place clean,” he said. Representatives from the American, German and Filipino scouts societies in the Kingdom also took part in the cleaning campaign.
