SHADEF Establishes School Environmentalists Club in Uyo, Donates Waste Bins
By Ekemini Simon
Following its ongoing drive of climate education, Safe Space Development Foundation (SHADEF), a non-governmental organisation with the focus to combat climate change and protect the environment has established an environmentalists club at Community Secondary School, Mbak Etoi, Uyo.
The Club tagged Young Environmentalists Club (YEs Club) was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 by an official of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Emeti Atai.
According to the Executive Director of SHADEF, Evelyn Eyo, the Organisation is establishing an environmental club in the school in furtherance of the efficacy of the idea of “catching them young” and bringing the next generation together from different social and cultural backgrounds to take part in climate action aimed at reducing carbon emissions among other forms of pollution.
The Executive Director who charged the students on the need to take serious climate action in their school environment and homes hence play a role in preserving the environment for themselves and the future generations assured the school of the readiness of the organisation to continue giving necessary support that will help grow the club.
Eyo called on the students and teachers to practice the 3 Rs of plastic waste management, reduce-usage, reuse, and recycle.
She offered insight to the fact that the organisation’s mission is to educate and raise awareness about the causes and consequences of climate change, engage young people in taking action to protect the environment.
The Executive Director added that SHADEF also empowers individuals to make sustainable choices that reduce carbon footprint.
On behalf of SHADEF, she donated two waste bins for biodegradable waste and non- biodegradable waste to the school.
In her response, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Mbak Etoi, Mrs Elizabeth Aaron thanked the organisation for its gesture towards the school. She assured that the intervention materials donated to the school will be effectively put to use.
The Principal also commended the initiative of the environmental club, noting that it has a strong potential to produce students who are not just environmentally conscious but environmental champions.