By Faridat Salifu
In a dedicated move to address plastic pollution, the Green Initiative NGO (GIN) conducted a transformative training session for students from selected secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The workshop, held on January 24, 2024, at Molly’s School in Pipeline and C & S College in Sabo Oke, Ilorin, focused on upcycling plastic into functional items, primarily flowerpots.
Mr. Tunde Adeleke, the Executive Director of GIN, emphasized the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and highlighted the environmental significance of upcycling.
By converting discarded plastic into valuable products, the initiative not only diminishes the environmental impact of plastic pollution but also encourages creativity and practical application.
Conducting the training in schools ensures knowledge transfer and empowers students to share their newfound skills with their peers and the broader community.
Mrs. Bisi Odunlade, the Principal of Molly’s School, and Mrs. Funmilayo Ojo, the Vice Principal of C & S College, praised the project for aligning with their schools’ emphasis on environmental conservation and holistic education.
Jumoke Adeyemi, a participant from Molly’s School, expressed her newfound perspective on plastic bottles, vowing never to see them as disposable items again.
Another student, Segun Ibrahim, excitedly anticipated applying his acquired skills, emphasizing the potential for both environmental impact and income generation through upcycling.
The success of the training workshop marks a promising start for the upcycling movement in Kwara State.
GIN plans to build on this momentum with additional community engagement activities and awareness campaigns to mobilize the youth and wider community toward sustainable practices.
As GIN continues its efforts, the organization anticipates a ripple effect that will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for Kwara State and beyond.
This initiative represents a meaningful step towards empowering the younger generation to actively combat plastic pollution through innovative and practical solutions.