As part of the ongoing Plastic Footprint Reduction Project (PFRP), over 20 sustainability club leaders from three Accra-based schools were trained on practical strategies to combat plastic pollution and champion sustainability efforts within their communities.

The two-day intensive workshop, held on October 23-24, 2024, and hosted at John Wesley Methodist Basic School, is part of a larger initiative aimed at tackling the plastic waste crisis in the Accra Metropolitan Area.

The project, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the Accra Climate Action Fund, gathered sustainability club leaders from Richard Akwei Memorial Basic School, Amamomo 1&2 JHS, and John Wesley Methodist Basic School to become active agents in driving a plastic-free agenda within their schools.

The first day of the workshop was dedicated to building a strong foundation in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Through interactive sessions, students explored the fundamentals of plastic pollution, its local and global impacts, and the critical need for action.

They learned how plastic waste clogs drainage systems, disrupts ecosystems, and poses health risks to communities, ultimately contributing to climate change. Leaders were also introduced to the 5 R’s of Recycling — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle — to guide sustainable practices that they can promote among their peers.

On the second day, the club leaders gained hands-on experience in action planning and goal setting, focusing on designing campaigns to reduce single-use plastics within their schools.

Sessions emphasized the creation of SMART goals and strategies for running effective awareness campaigns on sustainability.

The students were tasked with brainstorming feasible, impactful projects that align with the Plastic Footprint Reduction Project's mission, such as “Plastic-Free Weeks” and initiatives to encourage the use of reusable bags and bottles.

By fostering a new generation of environmental stewards through practical education and leadership training, the Plastic Footprint Reduction Project is equipping Accra’s youth to tackle plastic pollution head-on, one step at a time.

By the end of the workshop, club leaders had developed team action plan and presented their ideas to fellow participants, building a sense of accountability and excitement for upcoming initiatives.

To further encourage proactive engagement, non-financial tools like school assemblies, class visits, and awareness-raising posters were also introduced, giving student leaders cost-effective options to promote sustainability in creative ways.

The Plastic Footprint Reduction Project underscores the importance of youth-led initiatives to address pressing environmental challenges.

This workshop is the latest step in empowering young leaders to not only drive plastic-free practices within their schools but also inspire broader community change.

“Our aim is to create a ripple effect, where these student leaders become role models and advocates for sustainability," said Andrews Aibi Junior, the Lead Convenor for Alliance for Sustainability Education (ASEc), who was the lead facilitator.