International students and staff from the Centennial College network cleared up rubbish from parks and shorelines across 14 different cities last month to celebrate the Canadian institution’s 50th anniversary.

The mammoth global clean-up operation involved 15,000 people in locations across India, Panama, China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam and Canada. 

Recognition from the Canadian Prime Minister

The college caused quite a stir with its environmental project, prompting the CN Tower to glow green in acknowledgement and even the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, showed his appreciation by writing the college a letter of recognition.

“Along with its reputation for innovative programming that emphasizes hands-on learning, Centennial College boasts an exceptional faculty dedicated to supporting the career and personal development of students," said Mr Trudeau. 

The Prime Minister noted that the event was a "wonderful way to give back to the wider community".

Involving future students 

Students due to start at Centennial in 2017 were also involved in the project. Pham Thi Dai Trang from Vietnam said the event was great for networking ahead of her studies, as well as helping the environment. 

"'Paint the Town Green'" is the most meaningful event that I have ever participated in," she said. "I believe the most effective method to protect marine environment is to encourage younger people to participate in environmental campaigns like this event."

'Paint the Town Green' was organised with the help of Centennial College's Environmental Student Society (ESS) which was founded in 2000 with the aim of encouraging students to get involved in environmental issues. 

Since its launch, over 2,500 volunteers have planted over 8,000 trees and shrubs, installed 50 bird boxes and collected and recycled over 10,000kg of waste. 

More about Centennial College

Centennial College opened with just 514 students in 1966 in Ontario, Canada. It has since grown to host 24,000 full-time and 20,000 part-time students across its four campuses and is popular with students from all over the world. 

It has eight specialised academic schools which offer programmes in Business, Engineering Technology & Applied Sceince, Communications, Media, Arts & Design, Health & Community studies, Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Transportation and English Language Learning. 

How can you get involved?
Centennial College is inviting future, current and graduated students to join in their environmental movement by participating in a new competition. Photos, videos and captions shared using the #Centennial50 hashtag will be judged by a Centennial College Panel and five participants will win a $1000 "Green Leadership" award!

Interested in studying at Centennial College? Search for courses or check out these student reviews.