We went to To Ngoc Van street near West Lake in the morning of the weekend. From 8am, members of “Keep Hanoi Clean” started their cleaning activities in a hurry in order to be able to plant flowers in the afternoon. Among the members were pupils from Hanoi’s Hong Ha high school.
The group was divided into smaller groups to clean every corner of the area so they made the small street in To Ngoc Van become animated. Young girls and boys of the group were carrying waste bags to the disposal place, which would then be loaded onto specialised trucks. One of the most active members was James Joseph Kendal from the United States, the founder of “Keep Hanoi Clean”.
Initially, the cleaning activities of James and his friends were misunderstood by local authorities. But after understanding the goodwill of James and his friends, local authorities and people encouraged them and helped them to continue the work. The work which is done every weekend, gradually attracted many young Vietnamese and foreigners in Hanoi. They contacted James and asked to help clean the city.
The increasing number of members gave James the idea to create the “Keep Hanoi Clean” group in May 2016. Since the beginning, every weekend, the group has been clearing and cleaning many areas in the city.
Activities of the group have received much support from the local authorities and people. They are not only participating in the cleaning process but also provide cleaning equipment and vehicles.
“From the internet, our school acknowledged the activities of “Keeping Hanoi Clean”, which contribute to the beauty of the city. The connection between school and the group will help our pupils to have more awareness of keeping the city cleaner. I hope such meaningful activities will be implemented wider in other places of the city”.
The group was divided into smaller groups to clean every corner of the area so they made the small street in To Ngoc Van become animated. Young girls and boys of the group were carrying waste bags to the disposal place, which would then be loaded onto specialised trucks. One of the most active members was James Joseph Kendal from the United States, the founder of “Keep Hanoi Clean”.
 James Joseph Kendall is founder of "Keep Hanoi Clean". Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP 
James Joseph Kendall, founder of “Keep Hanoi Clean” and his co-worker with a poster titled “Together we protect the environment”. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP  Members are provided with protective items.Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP  James Joseph Kendall and pupils from Hong Ha high school clear a rubbish dump on Hanoi’s To Ngoc Van street. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP    James Joseph Kendall talks with Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem district authorities.Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP   Loading rubbish onto trucks.Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP  James Joseph Kendall and his friend are clearing a rubbish dump and replacing it with green plants. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP   James Joseph Kendall and staffs from Minh Quan Company exchange cleaning experiences during a break. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP  “Keep Hanoi Clean” has at least 20 members joining the cleaning on the weekend. The Group also has a facebook fanpage with about 7,800 members.Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP |
Initially, the cleaning activities of James and his friends were misunderstood by local authorities. But after understanding the goodwill of James and his friends, local authorities and people encouraged them and helped them to continue the work. The work which is done every weekend, gradually attracted many young Vietnamese and foreigners in Hanoi. They contacted James and asked to help clean the city.
The increasing number of members gave James the idea to create the “Keep Hanoi Clean” group in May 2016. Since the beginning, every weekend, the group has been clearing and cleaning many areas in the city.
Activities of the group have received much support from the local authorities and people. They are not only participating in the cleaning process but also provide cleaning equipment and vehicles.
“From the internet, our school acknowledged the activities of “Keeping Hanoi Clean”, which contribute to the beauty of the city. The connection between school and the group will help our pupils to have more awareness of keeping the city cleaner. I hope such meaningful activities will be implemented wider in other places of the city”.
Story: Ngan Ha- Photos: Tran Thanh Giang
