In another decisive move to tackle waste pollution in academic spaces, The Ideal Planet, in collaboration with Development Watch Media, successfully executed the “Ideal University of Bamenda” campaign. This three-day intensive advocacy initiative, which ran from December 8th to 10th, 2024, sensitized students and administrators to practice and champion proper waste disposal, directly sensitizing an estimated 12,000 individuals.

The Challenge: A Littered Landscape for Learning
As the lone state university in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, the University of Bamenda is an academic hub for approximately 20,000 students across six schools and faculties. Despite the presence of campus sanitary agents and trash cans provided by the administration and partner organizations, the campus often remains littered with waste. This pervasive issue creates an unsightly and unhygienic environment, disrupting the academic experience for both students and lecturers.

Our Strategy: A Hybrid Approach for Maximum Impact
To address this complex challenge, we designed a multi-faceted campaign that blended digital reach with on-the-ground action.

Phase 1: The online campaign – Shifting Mindsets Online (Dec. 8-9)
For two days, we launched a targeted online advocacy campaign to spark a conversation and foster a sense of collective responsibility. We created and distributed a series of personalized flyers carrying compelling messages and campaign hashtags. Over 300 students and administrators became active advocates, sharing these personalized flyers alongside their thought-provoking write-ups across their social media networks, particularly on Facebook and WhatsApp. The digital campaign successfully reached over 10,000 people, planting the seeds for behavioral change across the university community and beyond.

Phase 2: On campus campaign – (Dec. 10)
The online momentum was translated into tangible campus action with a dedicated on-ground sensitization day. A team of 50+ passionate volunteers came out across the campus. They conducted personal sensitization sessions with students and lecturers, explaining the importance of a waste-free study environment and the correct use of trash cans. The team distributed and pasted 788 custom stickers carrying advocacy messages in strategic locations on classroom walls, student digital gadgets, and notice boards serving as constant, gentle reminders. This direct engagement reached approximately 2,000 individuals on campus.

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The campaign’s core messages were designed to inspire pride and collective action:
· #UseYourCampusTrashCans: A direct call to action to utilize the available infrastructure.
· #RespectCampusCleaners: Fostering appreciation for the staff who maintain the campus.
· #ChangeYourBehaviour: Encouraging personal accountability for a cleaner shared space.

Measurable Impact and Lasting Change
The “Ideal University of Bamenda” campaign yielded significant, tangible results:
· 12,000+ individuals sensitized through a blended online and offline approach.
· 300+ students and administrators empowered as online ambassadors.
· 2,000+ direct, personal interactions on campus.
· 788 visual reminders (stickers) placed throughout the academic environment.

Most importantly, the campaign has begun to yield fruit in student behavior, creating a visible impact on campus cleanliness and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that extends into the wider community.

Click the link bellow to watch a development watch medias live interview with our president Mathias Akoa Tah

https://www.facebook.com/100086483213547/videos/1753014888881628/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Join the Movement
A cleaner, greener campus is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and academic community.
You can help us scale this impact to more institutions:
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#IdealUniversityOfBamenda

#CampusCleanliness

#WasteDisposal

#YouthAdvocacy

#EnvironmentalSensitization

#TheIdealPlanet

#UseYourCampusTrashCans

#RespectCampusCleaners

 #ChangeYourBehaviour