The essence of UPG lies in the belief that each one of us can be the catalyst for the change we desire. As a teacher in an underserved school, witnessing students sitting on the floor for 6-8 hours every Monday to Friday was disheartening, posing a serious obstacle to quality education.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and inspired by the spirit of UPG, I initiated a ‘Be the Change’ project. Leveraging the principles of collaboration and community advocated by UPG, I mobilized my community to collect recyclable waste such as plastic, cans, and cartons. Turning this waste into a valuable resource, we recycled it for money, which we then used to purchase wood from the local sawmill.
The innovative model, ‘Waste to Desk,’ not only addressed the immediate need for school desks but also contributed to Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 13. This project not only transformed our learning environment but also instilled a sense of community ownership and pride through collaborative efforts.
The power of collaboration and community engagement shines brightly in this endeavour, proving that positive change is achievable when individuals come together with a shared purpose.
For further inquiries and to show your support for this initiative, please feel free to contact us via email at: joydanielsiwu@gmail.com
