St. George’s University students rolled up their sleeves for a day of impact at Levera Beach, as members of the Education Conservation and Outreach (ECO) student organization carried out their biannual clean-up in collaboration with Good Deeds Day at one of Grenada’s most important turtle nesting sites.
A total of 40 students and two faculty members participated in the activity, covering both the beach and surrounding areas. Each participant collected at least one bag of waste, removing materials such as plastics (notably bottle caps), aluminum foil, glass bottles, fishing lines, and larger debris including galvanized materials. Additional support came from ECO members who contributed donations toward the initiative.
Supporting global action through Good Deeds Day
The clean-up formed part of Good Deeds Day, a global movement founded in 2007 that mobilizes millions of volunteers across more than 115 countries. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging efforts to protect the environment and strengthen communities through service.
At the national level, activities were coordinated through ISG Cares under the leadership of Grenada’s Good Deeds Day country leader, Nicole Cain, bringing together volunteers and organizations to implement meaningful, community-focused projects.
“The collaboration with Good Deeds Day provided an opportunity to connect our students’ efforts to a larger global movement,” said Dr. Gabrielle Walcott-Bedeau, assistant provost for Community Outreach and Service Learning. “It reinforces the importance of service as a tool for learning while addressing real environmental challenges in our communities.”
Promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement
Held ahead of peak turtle nesting season, which runs from May to August, the initiative was both timely and purposeful. By clearing debris from Levera Beach, participants helped create a safer environment for marine and terrestrial wildlife during a critical period.
The clean-up is part of ECO’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship through semester-based initiatives designed to address coastal pollution while raising awareness about the broader ecological impact of human activity.
“The ECO team is committed to creating opportunities for students to take meaningful action,” said Denorge Alexis, president of ECO. “This initiative is about more than just cleaning a beach; it’s about building a culture of responsibility and showing how small, collective efforts can make a real difference.”
Student experience and impact
Students described the experience as both impactful and rewarding, noting the importance of continued environmental action despite the distance of the site from campus.
“The clean-up was highly successful, especially when you consider how much waste we were able to collect in just a few hours,” said Dawnell St. Bernard, a second-year School of Arts and Sciences student and ECO member. “It really highlights the need for ongoing efforts like this to protect our environment.”
Through initiatives like the Levera Beach clean-up, SGU students continue to bridge academic learning with service, contributing to the preservation of vulnerable ecosystems while fostering a deeper sense of social and environmental responsibility.
