submitted by Anne Malambo
Beauty dives deep into Thames21
The River Thames is known throughout the world for its amazing culture, history and stunning scenery.
Its riversides are laced with, luxurious apartments and breathtaking architecture such as the O2 Arena, Tower Bridge and The Millennium Wheel, however what lies within the Thames isn’t half as exciting, or well kept.
As a proud volunteer for Thames21, a charity dedicated to cleaning, restoring and regenerating London’s grottiest water-spots I know too well the extent at which we abuse our water ways.
Thames21 mobilise thousands of volunteers every year to help with the effort, but it will never be enough unless we learn to respect our environment, as prevention is always the best cure.
As we grow closer to the 2012 games, Londoner’s needs to take greater care as to where they tread.
Chinese Olympic organisers put on an amazing show and made sure no stone was unpolished to make sure the world saw a new side of China, but it begs the question will London do the same?
I for one am bursting with anticipation to see the completion of the Olympic infrastructures and the start of the games, but as I followed China through a historic journey for its people and for sport, it was hard to ignore the media dissection of every corner of Beijing and it will be no different for London.
Recently Thames21 joined with Orange Rock Corps, in a project that encouraged young people to ‘Give and Get Given’.
A ticket to see top artists such as Busta Rhymes and John Legend, was given in exchange of four hours community service, and you can bet an army of youths turned up to get stuck in.
Participants of the Thames21 leg of Rock Corps were treated to a performance by UK rap superstar Bashy, and to end the day in style, tasty pizza courtesy of yours truly Dominos.
The boastful enthusiasm shown at Rock Corps however, paled in comparison to the cleanup myself and a friend attended on the 20th of September, one of a four day cleanup organised by Thames21.
‘It was a great experience, I’d recommend anyone to take part’ says close friend Aasha who accompanied me on the day.
Sadly though it seems the youth of today seem to care more about bagging/being a WAG, living in a mega-crib throwing the biggest super sweet sixteen and cruising in the most pimped out ride, other than giving back to there community.
They need to be educated about taking care of their surroundings and that showing your environment respect, is showing yourself respect.
Its unfortunate we live in a society where celebrities and the media tell us what to eat, what to wear, what is in, and what is out, they need to do more than just pitch their clothing and perfume lines to us.
High-profile faces and the forces behind their fame need to make better use of their influence, because its them young people listen to, anyone can throw a charity a big check, but time is worth much more.
Busta Rhymes showed he wasn’t above anyone because of his celebrity status, and got involved in some of the charitable activities organised by Rock Corps, including picking up garbage, painting graffiti tattered walls and most importantly inspiring young people.
So on behalf of Thames21 and all the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to keep London’s waterways clean ‘Get In and Help Out’.
Go to Thames21.org.uk to get information about up-coming events, many of them are based in local rivers and streams as well as the River Thames.
Thank you.
