On the 1st of March, members of the Association of Scraps and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) and partners; SustyVibes, FBRA, and SraDev (just to mention a few) embarked on a sensitization walk from Aguda to Ojodu LGA. The mission was clear: educate residents on waste separation and empower them to turn their trash into treasure. The atmosphere was vibrant, with attendees adorned in their uniforms, banners waving, and smiles. Armed with fliers and placards, volunteers approached individuals and businesses to educate them about various waste management initiatives, notably the Trash-to-Treasure program.
Knowing how important communication is important, no one was overlooked during the outreach effort. Interpretations were provided in all major languages, capturing the attention of passersby. Many were initially shocked to learn about these initiatives but quickly turned their surprise into joy at the prospect of additional income. On the spot, people began separating different forms of plastic waste from their trash and pledged to deliver it to LAWMA offices nearby.
The level of attention and acceptance from the public was heartwarming, particularly as children eagerly informed their parents about what they had learned. The presence of fellow SustyVibers David Wogbe and Francis Ogunyemi added to the sense of community and purpose.
The sensitization efforts lasted over two hours and culminated in a briefing session. Here, participants learned about the event’s significance, and partners pledged their support to enhance circularity in Lagos state.
As the event concluded, participants captured memories with photos and received a charge to carry the message of plastic separation into their communities.
The International Waste Pickers Day celebration with ASWOL was more than just a gathering—it was a day of education, engagement, and empowerment. It highlighted the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling environmental challenges. Let’s carry the momentum forward and continue spreading the message of waste management and sustainability in our communities.