Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future

I would like to launch the “Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future” project to encourage young people to take responsibility for keeping our neighborhood clean while fostering a sense of citizenship and intergenerational learning.

Children ages 7 to 11 and teens ages 12 to 16

Background: The Fiches Nord neighborhood in Lausanne regularly faces problems related to litter left in public spaces. This issue has been noted by many residents—particularly parents—through direct discussions and comments on the neighborhood’s Facebook group. The lack of public trash cans and awareness about the importance of keeping the area clean contributes to this situation, creating an unpleasant environment for residents. During the cleanup after last summer’s neighborhood festival, I had the opportunity to talk with some young people who helped me pick up trash. I was impressed by their awareness of issues related to cleanliness and environmental protection. These conversations strengthened my motivation to develop a project that would directly involve young people in maintaining the neighborhood, while instilling in them the values of good citizenship. Objectives: This project has multiple objectives: Environmental: To reduce the amount of litter in public spaces and create a clean and pleasant neighborhood for everyone. Social: To strengthen ties between different generations in the neighborhood by involving young people, parents, and other residents in a collective effort. This project aims to build a sense of community around a shared cause. Civic: Raise young people’s awareness of the importance of civic engagement, instill a sense of responsibility toward their environment, and encourage them to take care of their neighborhood. Project Description: The “Clean Neighborhood, Responsible Future” project proposes organizing monthly trash cleanup sessions in the Fiches Nord neighborhood. These sessions will be led by facilitators/social workers and will involve young people aged 12 to 16. Participants will receive a symbolic payment of 10 CHF per session to recognize their commitment while ensuring that money is not the primary motivation.

Lausanne, Fiches Nord

- January–February 2025: Preparation and outreach. - March 2025: Launch of the first activities. - April 2025 to March 2028: Monthly activities, with regular evaluations.

3,000

- The City of Lausanne’s “Parks and Promenades” Department for the provision of equipment. - Neighborhood centers or socio-cultural centers to recruit young participants.