Inside the Digital Cleanup Myanmar Report: How youth leadership brought over 200 participants together to learn about digital waste and digital cleanup
- Parami Communications
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Parami’s Environmental Club advisor, Dr. Romina de Jong, with support from Parami President Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun, sought ways to foster environmental change agents at Parami University.
In the face of adversity and ever-challenging conditions, this was easier said than done. With a small but dedicated team of one environmental club member and two Parami staff members, options were investigated, students surveyed, and interviews conducted, which eventually led to the idea of creating teams led by youth leaders to learn about climate change, CO2 emissions, and something of huge relevance to our online university: our digital carbon footprint.
From Idea to Impact
By joining the International Digital Cleanup Day, the project would have international allure and backup.
The Parami Digital Cleanup Day 2025 had three goals: 1) Raise awareness about climate change, CO2 emissions, and the digital carbon footprint, 2) Learn how to reduce digital carbon emissions, and 3) Empower individuals to become environmental change agents.
Impacts
Twenty volunteer leaders (double the original goal) stepped up to recruit people within their networks to join the Parai Digital Cleanup Day.
186 participants joined online, from Parami and partner organizations like Lann and Cherry Myay Academy.
30 teachers joined from an in-person workshop of the Padauk Classroom
The campaign reached people in 11 countries on three continents: Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, France, the Netherlands, and the U.S.
A Cleaner Digital World
One major achievement: nearly 500 GB of digital waste—old emails, duplicate photos, unused apps—was deleted. But beyond the numbers, the campaign sparked something deeper. Participants began to rethink how they use technology and how it affects the environment.
Social Media That Made a Difference
The initiative’s Facebook page, Digital Cleanup Day Myanmar, became a central hub for updates and outreach.
In just 23 days, the Facebook page had 22,982 views and 252 followers
The volunteer call-out post reached over 4,000 views.
The video message of Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun had an impressive reach with 3,900 views and 20 shares, while the video message of a student had the most engagement with 22 comments and 315 likes.
Stories from Around the World
The report doesn’t just list statistics—it shares stories.
In Malaysia, a scout team member deleted 4.62 GB of data.
In the Philippines, a nun led 10 fellow sisters in a digital cleanup.
People from all walks of life took part across Myanmar—from Mandalay to Rakhine, Shan to Karen.
The campaign was also featured on the JPIC Marist blog and in Parami’s newsletters, helping spread the message even further.
Real Change, One Story at a Time
The report highlights personal stories that show how digital cleanup can spark transformation:
Agnes’s team overcame limited internet access and inspired young people to join the movement.
Chit Thet’s team turned hesitant participants into confident advocates who proudly shared their digital cleanups online.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the report offers suggestions to grow the movement by hosting friendly competitions, using carbon footprint tools, creating easy-to-use campaign materials (certificates, templates, guides), and training your team leaders to inspire others to take action.
A Small Action with Big Meaning
The Myanmar Digital Cleanup Day report is a reminder that even something as simple as deleting a file can contribute to a cleaner, more conscious future, especially when done together.
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