When we first got the idea to start this project, some of us thought that it was too ambitious and that the team could not do it. However, after the first meeting, we realised littering was a huge problem and we decided to go forward with the project.

During the second meeting, we planned what we were going to do to reduce the littering. We also went around the neighbourhood on a litter-counting survey.

By the third meeting, we were already creating posters to give out door-to-door. We met neighbours who supported our project and promised to attend our litter picking exercise.

The litter picking exercise was quite successful as many children and adults in the neighbourhood participated. We were happy because the litter we picked up was less than the day when we did the litter-counting survey. This showed that the door-to-door education worked.

After this experience, we started to realise that we can do anything if we just try to make it happen, and that it was quite a rewarding experience for us.

Sincerely, Devan & Kiran

Parent and Smolboss’ perspective:

We first received a simple paper slip from Kiran and Devan’s parents, inviting neighbourhood children to collaborate on a kid-led social project.

We got in touch almost immediately, and Benjamin, the Smoler Boss, attended weekly meetings where the kids gathered to discuss social causes.

Although every child had different ideas at first, they came to a consensus together: to focus on the litter problem close to home and heart. From there, the kids set the agenda each week, designing and voting on posters, going door to door to raise awareness, meeting with the residential management, and organising a community clean up.

It was eye opening to see kids of different ages come together, discuss and resolve differences, step out of their comfort zones to knock on doors, and take turns talking to neighbours about littering issues.

More than just a cleaner neighbourhood, this project nurtured courage, collaboration, and empathy. It showed us that when kids take the lead, they are capable of sparking real change.

And the story does not end here. The kids have already started on Season 2, proving that this is not just a one time effort but the beginning of a movement. Stay updated on what they are focusing on next, because the journey of these young changemakers has only just begun.