By Giwa Suliat Bolaji (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
Digital Peers International, an Information Technology firm, has partnered with Abuja Government Technical College Garki, engaging students in a project funded by the Small Grants Programme (SGP) under Global Environment Facility (GEF) supervision.
The initiative aims to address plastic recycling and waste management, fostering environmental protection and combating climate change.
Led by the CEO of Digital Peers International, Mrs Ibikunle Odusote, the project targets building a youth-driven movement.
Over 400 students are involved, generating ideas to influence proper plastic use and waste management, while also creating sustainable jobs to replace 30% of plastic usage.
Implemented in collaboration with Government Technical College, Garki Abuja, the project focuses on raising awareness, reducing plastic waste in the FCT by 50%, and introducing alternative materials.
Mrs Odusote emphasized the urgent need to curb plastic pollution, citing health risks and environmental consequences, such as microplastics found in human blood.
Expressing concern about the escalating plastic pollution, she highlighted the UNDP’s commitment to managing plastic waste and reducing plastic use.
The project, titled Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Waste Management, aims to develop initiatives for addressing plastic issues at the source and post-consumption.
Participants will advocate for responsible plastic use through daily habits like minimizing disposable cutlery, using reusable bags, and carrying reusable water bottles.
Igwe Uchena, the Programme Coordinator, explained that the project began in January 2023, engaging youths in solving global plastic challenges using IT solutions.
With 200 selected applicants divided into teams, participants underwent a week-long training session covering various aspects of plastic usage, production, and the business side of plastics.
The training included site visits to dump sites to observe plastic disposal practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
The Principal of Government Technical College, Garki Abuja, James Kuta, expressed gratitude for the project and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in recycling plastic and waste management.
He emphasized the importance of recycling in restoring the environment and preventing harm to ecosystems.
A student from Government Technical College, Garki, and a member of the winning team, Asogwa Namibia, shared her knowledge gained through the program.
She expressed her intention to teach fellow students about responsible plastic use, recycling, and producing eco-friendly products with minimal carbon emissions.
In conclusion, the collaborative effort between Digital Peers International and Government Technical College emerges as a proactive step toward mitigating the plastic waste menace and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
