Egelion

[Louis]

---

Urbanization and mass population growth, while sometimes positive for a country, can leave massive environmental stains for people living in large cities. Pollution and environmental dangers are no exception in Egelion. In Altea, where the population exceeds over 8 million people, it is not uncommon to see trash on the street, sidewalks, or in the city's old-town, where alleyways and tight streets make it difficult for trash collection. While most streets are clean year-round, it is often towards the spring and summer months where garbage can be seen more often. 

To ameliorate the issue of pollution and city cleanliness, the Real Academia, who controls all school operations and curriculum in Egelion, called for a national day of clean--or more formally known as "A Day of Clean". The goal of the national initiative is to train children throughout the nation to enforce anti-pollution standards and to teach about the importance of garbage collection. The initiative also allocates 3 hours of a school day, twice a year for children to go out into their city and "clean" the sidewalks and streets as a class.

The initiative saw its first "pilot" this morning in Altea where students of the western school district went out into the streets of the city to collect litter and trash, weather permitting. Students were given an extended lunch, break, and recreation time that day making it an official "field trip day" according to district codes. Teachers were also paid an extra stipend for the day of clean as part of the initiative. 

Many in Egelion are calling the initiative "elementary" and good for the community as it helps tackle student accountability and pollution efforts in the nation. While the Real Academia only piloted the program in western Altea, it is said that they will enforce the day throughout all of Egelion next year.  Some educators however are not fully on board with the program with some stating "we're teachers, not garbage collectors". 

Others are concerned about students becoming lost and potentially being "stupid at intersections and busy streets". Board Director Filiberto Torres of the Real Academia stated that the academia is currently enhancing regulations, standards, and permissions for the day of clean to ensure student safety and educator preparedness at addressed. "ultimately, our goal is for students to be socially responsible and accountable. We want to show them it is a community effort to keep our cities clean. Teachers should know that fact. We will ensure they are also prepared for this new initiative."