A back-to-school initiative at Government Technical High School – GTHS Nkwen – Bamenda Cameroon, equips a new generation with the knowledge and tools to champion sustainability, health, and a cleaner planet.
In a significant stride towards fostering sustainable communities, the Ideal Planet has successfully implemented the “Clean Schools for Healthy Learning” project at Government Technical High School Nkwen. This landmark initiative empowered more than 500 students with the knowledge and practical resources to become active champions for their environment, transforming their campus into a model of cleanliness and ecological responsibility, as well as their homes.
The Challenge: Bridging Awareness and Action
While the problems of waste and litter are visible in many communities, the link between a clean environment, personal well-being, and academic success is not always clear to young people. Many schools in the northwest region of Cameroon, according to The Ideal Planet, lack the basic infrastructure, like segregated waste bins, and the targeted education needed to cultivate sustainable habits from a young age. This project was designed to bridge that gap, turning awareness into tangible action.
Our Approach: Education Meets Practical Empowerment
The campaign was built on a two-pronged approach: first, to instill a deep-seated understanding of waste management, and second, to provide the immediate tools to put that knowledge into practice. This was achieved via the following modules.
Interactive Educational Modules
Our team of dedicated coordinators and volunteers led engaging sessions, moving beyond theory to practical, everyday solutions. The modules covered:
Waste and Its Types by Lum Musong Flavine Suh, which helped students identify and categorize different kinds of waste, forming the foundation for effective management.
The Importance of Effective Waste Sorting” by Ndula Willet Mebiyikeh, which demonstrated the environmental and economic benefits of separating waste at the source.
Sustainable Waste Management Strategies by Project Director Yufonyuy Princely Nsavdzenyuy, who provided actionable strategies for reducing, reusing, and recycling waste within their school and homes.
Equipping for a Sustainable Future
To ensure the lessons learned in the classroom could be immediately applied, we donated essential waste management and cleaning equipment to the school, including:
– 6 Segregated Trash Cans to enable the practice of waste sorting directly on campus.
– Multiple Pairs of Protective Gloves to ensure student safety during clean-up activities.
– Cleaning Rags and Tools to facilitate the daily upkeep of classrooms.
A Community United for Change
The project was met with overwhelming support from the school community. We were graciously received by the School Principal and seamlessly coordinated by the Senior Discipline Master, Mr. Fun. Our Technical Supervisor, Dr. Eileen Tabuwe Akwo, addressed the students, delivering a powerful message about their agency. “You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the stewards of today,” she stated. “Every piece of waste you sort, every area you clean, is a direct contribution to an Ideal Planet. Your actions here in Nkwen create ripples that can be felt across the globe.”
Proven Impact, Sustainable Results
The success of the “Clean Schools for Healthy Learning” project is measured in more than numbers. We see it in:
–500+ Empowered Youths now equipped as environmental ambassadors.
-1 School transformed with the equipment to maintain a cleaner, healthier environment.
– A replicable model for promoting sustainability within educational institutions across the region.
Watch the Story Unfold
See the energy and impact for yourself! Development Watch Media captured the essence of the project’s implementation. Click the link bellow to watch the full media report on this project.
https://youtu.be/2jiqiINzauE?si=gDdKtrWQzjZ2YkJM
Join Us in Scaling Our Impact
This transformative project was made possible entirely through the generous contributions of our dedicated volunteers who believe in the power of youth and education. Imagine what we can achieve together in more schools. Your support can help us:
· Bring this program to another school in need.
· Provide more waste segregation kits and educational materials.
· Empower thousands more youths to become environmental leaders.
Donate Now, Volunteer With Us, Learn About Our Other Projects
#CleanSchools
#YouthEmpowerment
#WasteManagement
#EnvironmentalEducation
#IdealPlanet
#Cameroon
#Sustainability
#NonProfit
See the energy and impact for yourself! Development Watch Media captured the essence of the project’s implementation. Click the link bellow to watch the full media report on this project.
This transformative project was made possible entirely through the generous contributions of our dedicated volunteers who believe in the power of youth and education. Imagine what we can achieve together in more schools.Your support can help us:
· Bring this program to another school in need.
· Provide more waste segregation kits and educational materials.
· Empower thousands more youths to become environmental leaders.
Donate Now, Volunteer With Us, Learn About Our Other Projects
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