Event Summary

The Community Empowering Movement for a Responsive Society (CEMREST) organized a major awareness campaign and cleanup event to address the growing issue of non-biodegradable plastic pollution in Africa. The event, held on Earth Day, aimed to mobilize communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to take collective action against the environmental and health threats posed by plastic waste.

Event Details

• Date: April 22, 2023 (Earth Day)
• Location: Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
• Organizer: Community Empowering Movement for a Responsive Society (CEMREST)
• Participating Cities: Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Event Activities

The “War Against Non-Biodegradable Plastics” event consisted of the following key components:

Awareness Campaigns:

• Public service announcements on local radio and television
• Distribution of informational brochures and posters in high-traffic areas
• Social media campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of plastic pollution

Plastic Waste Cleanup:

• Mobilization of volunteers to collect and sort non-biodegradable plastic waste from streets, beaches, and waterways
• Engagement with local authorities to properly dispose of the collected waste

Policy Advocacy:

• Meetings with policymakers and government officials to discuss the need for stricter regulations on plastic use and waste management
• Submission of policy recommendations to national and regional legislative bodies

Community Engagement:

• Interactive workshops and seminars to empower citizens, especially youth, to become advocates for plastic-free environments
• Collaboration with local businesses and organizations to promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics

Event Activities

The donation event included the following activities:

-Registration and verification of beneficiaries
-Distribution of donated items to the identified persons with disabilities
-Educational session on disability rights and accessing support services
-Medical checkups and referrals for beneficiaries
-performances and entertainment

Outcomes and Impact

The “War Against Non-Biodegradable Plastics” event had a significant impact on raising awareness and catalyzing action against plastic pollution in the participating cities:

• Over 10,000 volunteers participated in the plastic waste cleanup activities, collecting and properly disposing of more than 50 tons of non-biodegradable plastic waste.
• The awareness campaigns reached an estimated 2 million individuals across the three cities, inspiring behavioral changes and increased demand for sustainable alternatives.
• Policymakers in Senegal, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire committed to reviewing existing legislation and developing new policies to restrict the use of non-biodegradable plastics.
• Several local businesses and community organizations pledged to transition to eco-friendly packaging and promote plastic-free initiatives.
• The event sparked a ripple effect, with similar cleanup and advocacy efforts being organized in other African cities in the following months.

Conclusion

The donation event organized by CEMREST in Kumba, Cameroon was a successful and impactful initiative that directly addressed the needs of persons with disabilities in the region. The donated items and educational activities contributed to improving the quality of life and promoting the inclusion of this underserved community. CEMREST’s commitment to empowering marginalized populations and driving sustainable development in Africa is commendable.