Lautoka City Council Honors Schools for Environmental Excellence in 2023 Clean Schools Program

The Lautoka City Council’s Health Department recently hosted a prestigious awards ceremony at RSL Hall, Tavewa Avenue, Lautoka, to recognize the outstanding achievements of schools participating in the 2023 Clean Schools Program (CPS).

Key Highlights:

During the event, crucial waste management issues were brought to the forefront, with an estimated daily waste generation of 91.7 tons in LCC. Comparative studies revealed a significant reduction in household waste generation rates from 880 grams per person per day in 2009 to 326 grams per person per day in 2022.

Out of the 50 schools in Lautoka, an impressive 35 actively participated in CPS 2023, with 22 located in urban areas and 13 in rural settings.

Acknowledging a Decade of Progress:

The Chief Guest and Special Administrator of LCC, Mr. Joeli Waqa, highlighted the long-standing impact of the Clean School Program, emphasizing its implementation for the past 12 years (except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Mr. Waqa acknowledged the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and its Volunteer, Nozomi San, for initiating and developing the Clean School Program in 2010 in collaboration with Nadi and Lautoka Municipal Councils.

Addressing Environmental Challenges:

Mr. Rouhit Karan Singh, Acting Head of Services, emphasized the severity of waste management issues and the potential repercussions on the environment if not properly addressed. He stressed the significance of small daily practices in making a substantial difference.

Objectives of the Clean School Program:

The CPS, organized to introduce a 3R-centric system in schools, aims to:

1. Provide schools with the opportunity to initiate proper waste management.
2. Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
3. Attain maximum practical benefits from products while generating the minimum amount of waste.
4. Target children to create awareness of waste minimization in schools, homes, and communities.

3R Concept Defined:

The 3R concept involves reducing waste generation at the source, reusing items to extend their life cycle, and recycling used materials to produce new products.

Challenges Faced and the Way Forward:

While celebrating the successes of CPS, the Health Inspector, Mithun Prasad highlighted the challenges that emerged during the program, including a lack of understanding of its basic concepts, monitoring issues, and struggles with waste reduction, composting, and recycling in schools.

Moving forward, schools are recognized as pivotal in educating children on achieving a healthy and sustainable environment. School composting, a major CPS component, significantly reduces waste and can generate income for schools.

Objectives of the Initiative:

1. Give schools the opportunity to initiate proper waste management.
2. Target children to create awareness of waste minimization in homes and communities.

The Clean Schools Program focuses on elevating the environmental consciousness of children, considering them effective agents of change. The initiative aims to instill good practices in their lives, inspiring them to champion environmental cleanliness as they grow into leaders.

2023 Judging Results

Images from the event: