FEDEV INDOCTRINATES YOUTHS ON PLASTIC POLLUTION, CALL ON THEM TO BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

As part of its sensitization activities to fight against plastic pollution in Cameroon, FEDEV targets close to two hundred youths in the grassroots community of Ntanche in the Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. This activity, which was carried out in a community church, saw an in-depth reaction of the youths to the plastic pollution-related topics.

Crafting the event with the theme “youths’ engagement in the fight against plastic pollution“, the Foundation for Environment and Development, FEDEV, in an interactive session educated the youths on the different types of plastics that exist, how they are being produced, their importance in terms of use and their effects on the environment, human health and aquatic life.

Some participants expressed their satisfaction with the sensitization activity and promised to implement the lessons learned.

“I have learned how to dispose of plastic waste properly, avoid burning it, and the various recycling options”; said  Nfor Yannick, a member of the church group Christian Youth Fellowship.

Another participant acknowledges the lesson she has learned from the non-use of plastic packaging to other forms, such as leaves from trees.

Adding to the lessons taught, FEDEV donated some waste bins to the church community to help sort their waste. This will ease plastic waste collection by individuals and organizations in charge of plastic waste valorization. 

Waste bins, as emphasized by FEDEVs’ Coordinator, Yimnia Calister Zalio;

“The sensitization process stems from part of FEDEV’s mission to protect the environment by reducing plastic pollution in Cameroon. The country generates a substantial amount of plastic waste annually, with a large portion mismanaged and ending up in the environment, including waterways and the ocean. Cameroon produces approximately 6 million tons of waste per year, with 600,000 tons being plastic. A large portion of this plastic waste, estimated at 578,798 tons per year, is mismanaged, with youths littering, improperly disposing of it, or burning which contributes to climate change. FEDEV targets the youth because they can receive and retain information easily. Targeting them will go a long way to promote behavioral change, so there is a need for them to say NO to plastic pollution.”