Copyright thenationonlineng
In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and personal hygiene among young learners, the Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has trained pupils of Ryan Academy, Abuja, on smart waste management and handwashing hygiene under the theme “Clean Hands, Clean School, Clean Planet!” The training, held at the school premises in FO1, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, brought together both primary and secondary school students for an interactive and educative session. It aims to equip them with practical knowledge on environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and the importance of regular handwashing for good health. Speaking during the session, Sharon Kanjuni, a member of the CRUX Environmental and Health Team, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering a clean, safe, and healthy environment. “Smart students don’t just throw waste properly—they also keep their hands clean because dirty hands spread diseases,” Sharon said while addressing the enthusiastic pupils. The training featured lively activities, including storytelling, group competitions, and creative recycling exercises. Students learned how to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials—transforming used bottles and paper into pencil holders, flower vases, and other simple crafts. In one of the engaging demonstrations led by Eswati Ikpi, Ademola Akinyele and Damola Opeyemi, some participants were brought forward depicting good and bad waste practices. The “Smart Waste Students” the participants, which demonstrated proper disposal and handwashing, was celebrated as a model for healthy living. The session also included a practical demonstration of the seven steps of handwashing, teaching students to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing or handling waste. To make the exercise more fun, the pupils sang a catchy hygiene song and later recited a Hygiene Pledge, vowing to “wash hands with soap and water, keep the school clean, and protect the Earth every day.” CRUX facilitators further encouraged Ryan Academy to establish a Smart Waste & Hygiene Club to sustain the lessons learned and promote peer-led environmental education. The Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Engr. Koko Olumuyiwa, explained that the initiative is part of CRUX Foundation’s Smart Waste School + Hand Washing Hygiene Project, designed to instill lifelong habits that promote cleaner environments and healthier living. “CERADF was established to advance environmental rights, advocacy, implementation, and sustainable development across Africa. Our mission is to help mitigate pollution, tackle climate change, protect the environment, promote peace, and conserve natural resources for present and future generations,” Olumuyiwa stated. He added that the project reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to empowering young people with knowledge and skills to become active stewards of their environment. Speaking after the exercise, the school’s Vice Principal, Mrs. Mariam Suleiman, commended the foundation for its impactful outreach. “The students have learned how to wash their hands properly and also realized that not all waste should be disposed of—some can actually be reused. We truly appreciate CRUX Foundation for bringing this vital awareness to our school,” she said.
