Plastic waste is a growing global concern, with millions of tons of plastic ending up in landfills, oceans, and the environment annually, with an estimated 300 million tons of plastic produced annually, half of which is designed for single use.
In Nigeria, 32 million tons of waste are generated annually, of which 2.5 million tons are plastic. In Enugu State, plastic waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, clogging waterways, and posing health risks to communities.
Understanding this challenge and the need to remediate it, South Saharan Social development Organization in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria organized a Green Skills Boost Workshop and Internship program. The initiative aims to address the dual challenge of youth unemployment and environmental degradation.
The training equipped youths with relevant knowledge on how to venture into the plastic recycling and upcycling sector. Youths were enlightened on the entire plastics waste-to-wealth value chain and how best to identify where they fit in.
By training youth in the plastics/rubber recycling and upcycling value chain, the program not only provides them with viable economic opportunities but also contributes to the reduction of plastic waste in Enugu state.
The workshop was facilitated by Ogechi Nwonye-Bernard, a plastic waste-to-wealth practitioner, and founder of Ecocyclers, Mr. Nnamdi Arum, Director of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, and Udochukwu Egwim, SSDO Head of Programs.
Participants were engaged using a combination of lectures, practical and interactive sessions, and DIY method. To guarantee the sustainability and impact of the initiative, participants will be placed on a one-month internship program with recycling and upcycling companies in Enugu state.