Converting plastic to wealth: Basic schools showcase creativity
The Community Engagement, Projects and Innovations unit of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at Somanya in the Eastern Region has held its Second Development Challenge awards ceremony at the university campus.
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This year’s awards ceremony, which was on the theme: “Plastic recovery project; Innovation for environmental sustainability and stewardship”, was to recognise the outstanding efforts put forth by students in junior high schools (JHSs) in the pursuit of environmental sustainability and stewardship.
The project of the university involves 50 JHSs this year from 10 districts and municipalities in the Eastern, parts of Greater Accra and Volta regions.
It challenges Ghanaians, and for that matter, the university to think creatively and harness the power of innovation to address the critical issue of plastic waste that threatens our environment.
The participating schools used plastic waste to produce various items, including waste bins, aeroplanes and beds, among others.
The participating districts and municipalities were Ada West, Okere, North Tongu, Akuapem North and Akuapem South. The rest were Yilo Krobo, Lower Manya, Upper Manya Krobo, Shai-Osudoku and Asuogyaman.
Winners
The overall best JHS for this was Anyoboni Roman Catholic Basic School. The school took home, a certificate, a shield, and three laptop computers while the second-best school went to Somanya Methodist and the third-best was taken by Mount Mary Demonstration Roman Catholic.
Nifa Basic School in the Akuapem North Municipality was the best in craft work while Somanya Methodist was the best in the write-up. Anyoboni Roman Catholic Basic School was adjudged the best in poster colour.
The Overall Best District went to Okere District, followed by Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo municipalities.
Combatting plastic pollution
The Eastern Regional Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Vera Allotey, who represented the regional minister, said, the UESD community challenge had provided a platform for individuals, schools and organisations to showcase their commitment to combat plastic pollution head-on.
She said she was inspired by the remarkable projects that had been presented throughout the competition, adding, “The creativity, passion and determination displayed by our participants are a testament to the resilience of our children”.
Madam Allotey explained that the project was not just about removing plastic waste from the surroundings, but it was about instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in the communities.
She said it was about educating our youth on the importance of responsible consumption and waste management which would be passed on to future generations for its sustainability.
Creativity
The Vice Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, said he was filled with admiration and pride as he witnessed the creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaborative skills displayed by the students of the participating schools throughout this year’s challenge and the kind of innovative artefacts produced.
He urged the students to continue exploring innovative solutions to question the status quo and embrace the challenges that lay ahead.
