Exams are next week, so the faculty was quieter than usual. With no lectures and no rush, students were just moving around, wandering around the familiar faculty. And yet, today was different; we came together for a faculty clean-up.

This was part of our International Communication project, which was meant to show how what we learn in class can be applied in real life. In this case, it was about promoting sustainability and responsibility, ideas that reflect the Sustainable Development Goals.

Before we started, Prof. Mustapha, our lecturer in charge, reminded us:

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Although simple, his words set the tone for the day.

We split into groups and got to work. Students swept corridors, cleared corners, and picked up trash. Buckets moved from hand to hand. Some worked quietly, some joked, but despite the differences in pace, everyone kept going. A few even returned to redo spots that still looked messy.

The work was tiring. Dust got everywhere, and some areas took longer than expected. Yet, it showed that small, consistent actions can make a real difference. Sustainability isn’t only about reports or presentations, it begins with effort.

By the end, the faculty looked cleaner. More importantly, it felt different. Spaces we usually ignore suddenly mattered. Working together made the task meaningful.

Exams will come, notes will be reviewed, and books will be opened. Still, today reminded me that communication isn’t always about talking, and responsibility isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it starts with simply showing up and doing the work.