The term "littering" - the careless discarding of waste - has long been more than just a nuisance: it is a serious problem for the environment, nature and the appearance of our towns and communities. The state-wide "Saarland picobello" campaign organised by the Saar Waste Management Association (EVS) addresses precisely this issue: It raises awareness of responsible waste management and mobilises associations, companies and initiatives to act together every year.
AQuiS GmbH was also keen to take part again this year - with several projects: the tried-and-tested "Meilenstein" youth project and, for the first time, the six job opportunities in accordance with Section 16d of the German Social Code Book II (AGHs) in the Saarpfalz district.
The participants in the six AGH projects "Burg Kirkel und Umgebung", "Kirkeler Nähkästchen", "Bergbaumuseum mit Bürgerpark 'Blumengarten'", "Wegenetze im Saarpfalz-Kreis", "Regionaler Tourismus und kulturelles Erbe Süd" and "Kulturelles Erbe St. Ingbert" - and the teenagers and young adults of the "Jugendaktivierungsmaßnahme Meilenstein-AQuiS" - set off together with their specialist instructors to clear up litter in their respective areas. Equipped with high-visibility waistcoats, gloves, tongs and bin bags, they cleaned up pavements, cycle paths, green spaces and public areas around their project locations. The hard-working cleaning groups uncovered a wide variety of items: children's toys such as dolls, cuddly toys and a tricycle, items of clothing, empty glass bottles and jars, packaging from drinks, food and sweets as well as numerous cigarette butts - all of which ended up in the rubbish bags, which were then taken to an EVS disposal facility. The campaign is an impressive demonstration of what is possible when people work together - regardless of age, background or circumstances.
"The 'Saarland picobello' campaign helps to promote ecological awareness, but also individual responsibility. It is worrying and a serious problem that so much is thrown away and disposed of illegally. I would like to thank the AQUuiS team for their perseverance and ongoing commitment," said District Administrator Frank John.
The environmental campaign aims to raise awareness of environmental protection and actively involve the population in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy. The campaign encourages each individual to take responsibility for their own environment.
The work opportunities offered by AQuiS GmbH are aimed at adults receiving benefits from the Saarpfalz-Kreis job centre, for whom the focus is on stabilising and maintaining their ability to work. Commitments such as the picobello campaign combine practical community service with social responsibility - and make it clear that those who take part leave their mark - on the right people.
The AGH projects and the "Meilenstein-AQuiS" youth activation measure of AQuiS GmbH are funded by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Women and Health and the European Social Fund Plus as part of the "Investments in Employment and Growth" programme. Funding is also provided by the Saarpfalz-Kreis job centre.