Caring for Their Communities: House of Grace Girls Lead by Example

Each year on September 20, the United Nations recognizes International Clean Up Day, encouraging people around the world to care for their communities and protect the environment.

At the Houses of Grace in Kumasi, Ghana, and Chiang Rai, Thailand, however, caring for their surroundings is not limited to one special day. It is part of everyday life.

At House of Grace-Thailand, the girls and team members work together to clean the entrance to their community and the areas surrounding the campus. Mae Korn Elementary School sits at the corner of the road adjacent to the House of Grace, making the clean-up efforts a meaningful way for the girls to serve as good neighbors.

By picking up litter, maintaining shared spaces, and caring for the roads near their home, the girls demonstrate that even simple acts of service can make a visible difference. Their efforts help improve the appearance of the community while also showing respect for the families, students, and neighbors who use these areas each day.

Environmental responsibility is also practiced inside the House of Grace. Waste is separated, and recyclable materials such as cardboard are collected and sold to a local recycling center. While the recycling generates a small amount of income, its greatest value is educational.

The girls learn that everyday choices matter. They see firsthand how reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling can help protect the environment. These lessons are especially important as Thailand continues efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

The community clean-up projects also provide opportunities for the older girls to set an example for the younger girls. Working side by side strengthens relationships, builds teamwork, and encourages each girl to take pride in her home and community.

A Note from Fay Inman, Advocacy Director

“At House of Grace, the girls are learning that they can make a difference wherever they are. Community clean-up may seem like a small act, but it teaches responsibility, teamwork, and compassion for others. The girls are not only caring for their home; they are serving their neighbors and becoming positive examples within their communities. These experiences help prepare them for the future by showing them that leadership often begins with a willingness to serve. We are so proud of the way the girls care for the people and places around them.”

— Fay Inman, Advocacy Director, Global Servants

At the Houses of Grace, keeping the community clean is about more than appearances. It is an opportunity to teach stewardship, encourage service, and help each girl understand that she has something valuable to contribute.

Whether they are cleaning the road near their campus, separating recyclable materials, or helping a younger girl learn good habits, the girls are demonstrating that lasting change often begins with simple acts of care.