Youth-led “cleaning campaign” promotes integrated waste management in schools of Satkhira and Naogaon

Schools have led an inspiring effort to promote integrated waste management in Naogaon and Satkhira. Supported by Switzerland, the initiative has brought together students, teachers, and community leaders. WaterAid Bangladesh, Swisscontact Bangladesh, and local partners Rupantar and Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO) have joined Nabarun Girls High School in Satkhira and Mongalbari Sirajia High School in Dhamoirhat sub district, Naogaon for a student-led clean-up campaign. 

At both schools, activities were focused on hands-on engagement to instil sustainable waste management practices. Class teachers have raised awareness through assembly announcements, while students have engaged in painting and waste-to-art contests to envision sustainable waste management practices for the school. 

Students have also taken the initiative by forming voluntary teams dedicated to cleaning school premises. They have sorted waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, creating a clear structure for managing waste. The campaign included planting several species of medicinal trees, such as Nim (Azadirachta indica), Bohera (Belleric Myrobalan), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Amloki (Indian Gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica), and Hortoki (Chebulic Myrobalan).  

 

The campaign featured pledge boards for students to write their commitments to waste management practices. As part of their role, student teams, accompanied by teachers, visited local marketplaces to advocate for proper waste management practices. This initiative extended impact of this campaign beyond school boundaries. 

The upazila secondary education officers attended as the chief guest, distributing prizes to participating students, recognising their contributions, and encouraging continued weekly cleaning efforts. "This campaign has boosted our confidence and given us an opportunity to share our talents. Through our artworks, we hope to bring our ideas for waste management to life and inspire our friends and family," one student remarked.  With group leaders selected for future peer-exchange campaigns, the campaigns aims to build a foundation for youth-led waste management practices across other schools in the regions.