In response to this pressing issue, Ecocykle, a climate action and circular economy-focused NGO, partnered with the Young Advocates for Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF) to launch the Project Waste-Free Communities (PWFC). Kickstarted in 2022, this impactful project aims to equip local communities with essential green skills for effective waste management while advancing sustainable development. To date, the project has empowered over 5,000 women and youth across six communities in Abuja, Nigeria, including Karomajiji, Durumi, Galadimawa, Jahi, Abaji, and Paiko, driving both social and environmental transformation.
Building Skills and Creating Opportunities for Women and Youth
As part of a groundbreaking initiative, participants were trained in green skills related to plastic waste recycling, with a focus on upcycling single-use plastics into valuable items such as bags, furniture, and artistic creations. These innovative techniques not only address environmental pollution but also provide new income-generating opportunities for the participants, empowering them to become sustainability champions within their communities.
Among the key beneficiaries were women, who learned to transform single-use plastics into recycled bags. Typically, these plastics litter the environment, clogging drainages and exacerbating pollution. By acquiring these skills, the women can now contribute to reducing plastic waste while creating products that benefit their communities.
Youth from the community also gained practical skills in upcycling waste materials like plastics and sawdust into functional furniture and stools. These efforts are instrumental in mitigating environmental degradation while simultaneously fostering job creation for unemployed youth across Nigeria.
I felt deeply honored to be part of this project, particularly witnessing the joy and gratitude on the faces of the women was truly heartwarming. Given the challenging economic situation in the country, the project will provide them with financial support and encourage them to take environmental action.
Omowaye Pelumi, Ecocykle’s Communications Officer
The project culminated in a grand finale attended by prominent environmental stakeholders, participants, and project partners. During the event, participants showcased the products they had created using recycled waste, including bags and chairs, which drew admiration and patronage from attendees.
Ecocyckle is proud to have contributed to this impactful project and remains committed to empowering more communities with the skills needed to drive climate action and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Written by Omowaye Pelumi
