The Anambra State Government has launched the Catch Them Young – Clean School Initiative, a new environmental education programme designed to instil proper waste management practices and promote environmental responsibility among pupils across the state.
The initiative was officially launched with the commissioning of designated waste collection points at Central School, Ire, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, who performed the commissioning alongside the traditional ruler of Obosi, HRM Igwe Dr. Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III), said the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to build a clean, green, liveable and prosperous homeland.
Dr. Aguiyi explained that the programme was designed to instil responsible environmental habits in children from an early age, with particular emphasis on waste sorting, proper disposal and environmental stewardship.
He noted that schools remain strategic platforms for promoting behavioural change, stressing that educating children on proper waste management would help raise a generation that understands and embraces its responsibility for protecting the environment.
The Commissioner disclosed that the pilot phase of the programme would cover 12 schools across the state’s three senatorial zones. The participating schools would be provided with designated waste collection points, alongside practical environmental education to encourage pupils to adopt and sustain responsible waste management practices.
He further described the initiative as a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges through early education, behavioural change and community participation.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Cooperative (ASWARCOOP), led by Pastor Ben Agape, as part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen waste management practices and promote a cleaner and healthier environment across Anambra State.
