Planting the Seeds of a Zero-Waste Future: ISEC Cameroon’s End-of-Year Impact in Bamenda
- isecoalition
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
As 2025 draws to a close, the International Student Environmental Coalition (ISEC) Cameroon is proud to reflect on a year marked by meaningful engagement, community-driven action, and a deepened commitment to environmental and climate education. We concluded the year on a strong and inspiring note with a comprehensive school outreach at Evidence Based Nursery and Primary School, Bambili, implemented under the Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative, a core program of the Green Earth Initiative.
This final activity of the year was more than an outreach—it was a reaffirmation of our belief that long-term environmental sustainability begins with education, awareness, and the active involvement of young people. By equipping pupils with knowledge and practical skills on waste management, circular economy practices, and zero waste strategies, ISEC Cameroon continues to invest in the next generation of environmental stewards.
Why Zero Waste Education Matters
Rapid urban growth, changing consumption patterns, and limited waste management infrastructure continue to pose serious environmental and public health challenges in many communities across Cameroon. Poor waste disposal practices contribute to pollution, flooding, disease outbreaks, and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires not only improved systems but also a change in behavior—starting from an early age.
Through the Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative, ISEC Cameroon is working to promote responsible waste management habits, environmental hygiene, and sustainable lifestyles within schools and communities. Schools serve as powerful entry points for change, as pupils often become ambassadors of environmental responsibility within their families and neighborhoods.
Engaging Young Minds in Bambili
On December 17, 2025, ISEC Cameroon engaged over 150 nursery and primary school pupils in an interactive and age-appropriate learning session focused on waste management, environmental hygiene, composting, circular economy thinking, and zero waste practices. The outreach took place from 11:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and was structured to encourage participation, curiosity, and practical understanding.
The sessions emphasized simple but impactful actions pupils can take daily—such as proper waste disposal, avoiding littering, keeping their surroundings clean, and rethinking how waste can be reduced, reused, or repurposed. By grounding the lessons in familiar school and home environments, the outreach made environmental concepts relatable and actionable.
Understanding Waste and Responsible Disposal
A core component of the outreach focused on helping pupils understand what waste is, the different types of waste commonly generated at home and in school, and the importance of managing it responsibly. Pupils were introduced to plastic waste, paper waste, food waste, and other everyday materials, learning how improper disposal affects human health and the environment.
The concept of waste sorting was highlighted as a key step toward reducing pollution and improving cleanliness. Pupils were encouraged to think about separating waste according to type and making conscious decisions about where and how waste is disposed of. These lessons reinforced the importance of using dustbins consistently and maintaining clean school environments.
Promoting Hygiene and Healthy Environments
Environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene were strongly emphasized throughout the outreach. Pupils learned about the importance of handwashing at critical moments, including before eating, after using the toilet, after playing, and after handling waste. Proper handwashing techniques using clean water and soap were explained to reinforce healthy daily habits.
Beyond personal hygiene, the sessions stressed the importance of keeping classrooms, school compounds, and home surroundings clean. Pupils were encouraged to take responsibility for their immediate environments and to actively discourage littering. These messages highlighted the strong link between environmental cleanliness, disease prevention, and overall well-being.
Introducing Circular Economy and Composting Practices
To broaden pupils’ understanding of sustainability, the outreach introduced basic circular economy principles, demonstrating that waste does not always have to be thrown away. Pupils learned how organic waste, such as food remains, can be composted and reused to improve soil fertility rather than ending up in dumpsites.
This introduction to composting helped pupils see waste as a resource and encouraged creative thinking about reuse and recycling. By learning that everyday waste can have value, pupils were inspired to adopt more responsible and sustainable behaviors both at school and at home.
Encouraging Lifelong Environmental Awareness
In addition to practical lessons, the outreach emphasized the importance of continuous learning, reading, and awareness in environmental protection. Pupils were encouraged to remain curious, ask questions, and seek knowledge about how their actions impact the environment.
By fostering a culture of environmental awareness, ISEC Cameroon aims to nurture pupils who not only practice clean habits but also understand why these actions matter. Such awareness lays the foundation for long-term behavioral change and responsible citizenship.
Strong Participation and Positive Learning Outcomes
The pupils demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and engagement throughout the outreach. They actively participated in discussions, responded correctly to questions, and shared their own observations and ideas. This level of interaction reflected a clear understanding of the topics and confirmed the effectiveness of the participatory teaching approach.
The outreach successfully met its objectives, equipping pupils with essential knowledge on waste management, hygiene, composting, and environmental cleanliness. More importantly, it contributed to shaping positive attitudes toward environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
Closing the Year with Purpose
As ISEC Cameroon brings the year to a close, this outreach stands as a meaningful reminder that impactful climate and environmental action begins at the community level. By investing in environmental education for young learners, we are planting seeds for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
The Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative continues to demonstrate how education, community engagement, and youth leadership can drive change. While 2025 marks the end of another impactful year, it also signals a renewed commitment to expanding environmental education and zero waste action in the years ahead.
The journey continues—and so does the work. 🌍♻️✨
Author: Harrison Ashangwa
