By Alfred Zacharia
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) in partnership with environmental advocacy group Mazingira Plus, on Friday handed over a fully implemented 'Zero Waste Program' to the Dar es Salaam Special Girls’ Secondary School.
The initiative, which involved more than 200 students, culminated in a vibrant graduation ceremony where participants were awarded certificates after completing intensive training in sustainable waste management.
The handover also featured exhibitions of student-led projects that highlighted the practical outcomes of the program, from compost made out of kitchen waste, organic gardens, waste separation systems, to powerful environmental artwork made from discarded materials.
Speaking during the handover event, NEMC’s Legal Compliance Manager, Ms. Amina Kibola, hailed the students for their commitment and innovation throughout the programme.
“What these students have done is proof that environmental protection and economic opportunity go hand-in-hand,” she said. “This programme equips them with the skills to become not only responsible citizens but also green entrepreneurs.”
Ms. Kibola called on students to embrace the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” philosophy, describing it as a cornerstone for tackling pollution and creating sustainable livelihoods. She emphasized the economic potential of transforming waste into raw materials such as compost and crafts, noting that the training also prepares students to tap into emerging green industries.
For his part, Zero Waste Schools Programme Coordinator, Mr. Suleman Mang’uro, urged the school administration to sustain the gains made through the initiative.
“This programme should not end with this event,” he stressed. “We expect the school to remain a hub for innovation in waste management and a model that other institutions can replicate.”
The Zero Waste Program is part of a broader national effort to strengthen environmental education and action within academic institutions. By starting with young people, particularly girls, NEMC and Mazingira Plus aim to foster long-term behavioural change and environmental stewardship.
The Dar es Salaam Special Girls’ Secondary School now stands as one of the first all-girls institutions in the country to fully integrate the zero waste approach into its school culture, setting a precedent for other schools nationwide.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, stakeholders say such grassroots initiatives are essential for building a future generation that not only understands the threats facing the environment but is actively contributing to the solutions.