By Laila Azzeh

AMMAN –– Hala Abu Ghazaleh said she doesn’t let her mother trash anything without her approval.

“We can use garbage to create useful things,” the third-grader said, adding that she now knows how to make lamps, dolls and Christmas trees from discarded material thanks to a workshop organised by the United National Volunteer Programme in cooperation with the Princess Basma Youth Resources Centre (PBYRC).

The workshop was one of several activities organised this month to celebrate International Volunteer Day, which is held this year under the theme, “Volunteering for Our Planet”.

During a celebration marking International Volunteer Day on Monday, HRH Princess Basma highlighted that more and more Jordanians are taking the lead to safeguard the environment.

“Volunteering as a way of life is part of the Jordanian spirit as volunteerism is part of the Jordanian culture and character,” the Princess said, adding that Jordan is facing a number of “defining” challenges in the field of the environment and water.

“As we speak, there are representatives from 192 nations gathering in Copenhagen working to reach a consensus that will protect our climate,” Princess Basma said, noting that although global warming is a threat to all of humanity, poor and vulnerable people in developing nations will bear the “heaviest burden” if decisive action is not taken.

During the event, attended by international volunteers in Jordan, UN Resident Coordinator Luc Stephens said there are thousands of Jordanians donating their time and efforts to help build the capacity of local communities, citing the “Clean Up the World” initiative in Aqaba.

At the end of the ceremony, the Princess distributed certificates to 30 participants who took part in environment-related workshops.

Established in 2002, PBYRC’s mission is to promote the active role of youths in society, enhance their participation in the development process and provide them with opportunity to express their needs and shape their future.