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Transcript/ScriptUSAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Somalia Beach Cleanup (TV/R)
HEADLINE: Somali volunteers clean beaches
TEASER: Somalia's Beaches: 30 Years of Neglect and Lack of Government Support for Volunteers
PUBLISHED AT:12/4/24 at 11:30am
BYLINE: Mohamed Sheikh Nor
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Mogadishu, Somalia
VIDEOGRAPHER: Mohamed Sheikh Nor
VIDEO EDITOR:
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Purnell Murdock,
SCRIPT EDITOR: Baragona, Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE: All VOA
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV X RADIO X
TRT: 2:30
VID APPROVED BY: Decherd
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[ A group of Somali youths is working to protect the country's marine environment by organizing weekly beach cleanups in Mogadishu. Despite limited support, they have collected over 2 million kilograms of trash in recent months. Their dedication was recently recognized with the global Arab Volunteer Award in Beirut, Lebanon, as Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu.]]
((NARRATOR))
Young people in Somalia remove plastic and other trash from beaches in the capital city, Mogadishu, as part of a cleanup initiative they started.
The volunteers, many with environmental conservation degrees, also raise awareness about how pollution can harm natural resources, which locals rely on for food and jobs.
Raqiya Hassan is a longtime volunteer.
((Raqiya Hassan, Volunteer (female, Somali))) ((14 secs))
"We are in the 167th week of our beach cleanup campaign, and this week, we focused on cleaning Lido Beach. Our goal is to protect the environment and preserve marine life."
((VIDEO: ARAB VOLUNTEER AWARD CEREMONY? VIDEO/PHOTOS?))
((NARRATOR))
The group was recognized with an Arab Volunteer Award in Beirut, Lebanon, in April.
((VIDEO-VOA: Various shots of cleaners engaging in trash collection, including some who are carrying bags of trash.. ))
((NARRATOR))
Abdisalam Mohamed, the group’s deputy leader.
((Abdisalam Mohamed, Beach Cleanup Campaign ((male, Somali))) ((10 secs)))
"Our dedicated volunteers from the cleanup campaign have embarked on a journey to participate in international competitions because of the impact of our work, which has enabled us to win international medals.”
((VIDEO-VOA: Various shots of a cleanup operation, along with aerial footage showcasing the beach and other visuals.. ))
(NARRATOR))
The volunteers have made significant improvements to the beaches, gradually restoring their natural beauty. Community volunteer Osman Yusuf, who has lived in clean, well-developed cities like Berlin and Munich, encourages volunteers to uphold high cleanliness standards and see their work as a noble cause.
((Osman Yusuf, Community Volunteer (male, Somali))) ((12 secs)))
"I encourage these volunteers to strive to replicate that cleanliness in their own country. As you can see behind me, some young people are actively engaged in this important work."
((VIDEO-VOA: Various shots of cleanup operations, boats on the sea, and Yasir Baafo, an advisor for the tourism agency in Somalia. ))
(NARRATOR))
The youth's beach cleanup initiative is commendable but often lacks government support. Yasir Baafo, a senior tourism advisor, explains that this is not a dismissal of the youth's efforts, but rather a result of the government's focus on other pressing issues.
((Yasir Baafo, Government Tourism Adviser, Somali, 14 secs))
“The efforts of these young people lack the government's role, such as offering encouragement or recognition for their contributions and hard work, which they truly deserve.”
((VIDEO-VOA: Various shots of beaches littered with waste, plastics, and debris.
((NARRATOR))
The volunteers also emphasize the vital connection between a clean environment and community health.
((Mohamed Sheikh Nor, VOA News, Mogadishu, Somalia))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateDecember 4, 2024 11:54 EST
BylineMohamed Sheikh Nor
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
