By Stanley Onunkwor

The Anambra State Government has launched the Catch Them Young – Clean School Initiative, a new environmental education programme aimed at instilling proper waste management practices and environmental responsibility among pupils across the state.

The initiative was officially launched on October 29 with the commissioning of designated waste bin 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 that the programme aligns with the vision of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to build a clean, green, liveable and prosperous homeland.

Dr. Aguiyi explained that the initiative was designed to cultivate responsible environmental habits among children from an early age, with particular emphasis on waste sorting, proper disposal and environmental stewardship.

He stressed that schools remain strategic platforms for promoting behavioural change, noting that educating children on proper waste management would help nurture a generation that understands and embraces its responsibility towards protecting the environment.

The Commissioner disclosed that the pilot phase of the programme would cover 12 schools across Anambra State’s three senatorial zones. The participating schools will be provided with designated waste collection points, alongside practical environmental education to encourage pupils to adopt and sustain responsible waste management practices.

He further noted that the initiative represented a proactive approach to tackling environmental challenges by focusing on early education, behavioural change and community participation.

The project was being implemented in collaboration with the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Cooperative (ASWARCOOP), led by Pastor Ben Agape, as part of efforts to strengthen waste management practices and promote a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

The Catch Them Young – Clean School Initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to building environmental consciousness among the younger generation and ensuring that the culture of cleanliness, responsible waste disposal and environmental sustainability became an enduring part of everyday life in Anambra.