Amatul Jameel Suhani Sujari
Beyond the Classroom: A Teacher's Passion for a Cleaner Singapore
Inspired by Singapore's reputation as a clean and green city, 57-year-old teacher Mdm Suhani is committed to preserving its pristine image. Her dedication extends beyond her HDB flat and classrooms into the heart of her community.
Her journey began when she participated in a school-organised beach clean-up. This experience ignited a passion for public cleanliness and a strong sense of accountability. She firmly believes that "public cleanliness is a shared responsibility we should not take for granted," and hopes to encourage others to join the cause.
Photo Caption: Mdm Suhani (centre, right), alongside members of Dakota Breeze Resident Network at the launch of the CleanPod at Dakota Breeze Estate during the SG Clean Day this year
As an active member and vice-president of the Dakota Breeze Resident Network (RN), Mdm Suhani frequently organises public cleaning activities involving schools, volunteers and fellow RN members. The installation of the Public Hygiene Council's CleanPod - a litter-picking tool sharing platform - in her estate has further empowered the community. Neighbours, many of whom had never volunteered before, are now taking the initiative to clean up the area with the easily accessible shared equipment.
Photo Caption: Dakota Breeze RN members gathering for the year-end Christmas Celebrations
The Dakota Breeze RN members also showed gratitude to volunteers and estate cleaners by organising bi-annual meals for everyone to enjoy and mingle. Mdm Suhani mentioned that these gestures of appreciation give volunteers and estate cleaners a sense of pride and belonging in keeping public spaces clean.
When asked about her fond memories of this rewarding journey, Mdm Suhani shared her reassurance about the future generation. She believes that parents and schools have instilled a stronger sense of civic mindedness in the children when it comes to caring for the environment and maintaining public cleanliness. Mdm Suhani fondly recalled two young brothers in her neighbourhood picking up what they called 'treasures' - a creative perspective instilled by their parents.
"Every small effort counts in upholding Singapore's Garden City status," she said, urging individuals to embrace their role in keeping our public spaces clean and green.
Mdm Suhani’s unwavering belief in collective action reminds us that it is not just individual efforts, but the shared commitment of the community, that ensures Singapore’s cleanliness endures.