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The Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) on Friday commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day and Children’s Day celebrations with a sensitisation programme on smart waste management and handwashing hygiene for schoolchildren in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at Pilot Science Primary School, Bwari, brought together pupils and representatives from 10 schools and focused on promoting environmental sustainability, proper waste disposal and healthy hygiene practices among children.
Speaking during the programme, members of the foundation’s Environmental and Health Team said the initiative was designed to equip children with practical knowledge on environmental cleanliness, responsible waste management and disease prevention through proper hand hygiene.
Ms Sharon Kanjuni, a member of the team, emphasised the importance of combining environmental responsibility with personal hygiene.
“Smart students don’t just throw waste properly—they also keep their hands clean because dirty hands spread diseases,” she said while addressing the pupils.
The awareness campaign, which forms part of CERAD Foundation’s Smart Waste School and Handwashing Hygiene Project, featured storytelling sessions, group competitions, creative recycling exercises and practical demonstrations.
Participants were taught how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials, with demonstrations showing how discarded bottles and paper could be transformed into useful items such as pencil holders and flower vases.
In an interactive session facilitated by Eswati Ikpi, Adanlawo Abidemi, Sowo Tomilola Olalekan and Damola Opeyemi, pupils acted out examples of good and poor waste disposal habits. Students who demonstrated proper waste management and handwashing practices were recognised as “Smart Waste Students” and encouraged to serve as role models for their peers.
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The programme also included a practical demonstration of the seven steps of effective handwashing, highlighting the importance of washing hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before eating and after handling waste materials.
To reinforce the lessons, pupils participated in hygiene-themed songs and recited a pledge committing themselves to keeping their environment clean and practising regular handwashing.
CERADF facilitators further encouraged schools to establish Smart Waste and Hygiene Clubs to sustain the campaign’s impact through peer-led environmental education activities.
Speaking at the event, the foundation’s Director of Programmes, Engr. Koko Olumuyiwa, said the initiative aligned with CERADF’s mission of promoting environmental rights, sustainable development and public health awareness.
“CERAD Foundation was established to advance environmental rights, advocacy, implementation and sustainable development across Africa. Our mission is to help mitigate pollution, tackle climate change, protect the environment, promote peace and conserve natural resources for present and future generations,” he said.
Olumuyiwa added that empowering children with environmental knowledge and practical skills would help nurture a generation of responsible environmental stewards.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental education, public health awareness and sustainable development initiatives across communities in the FCT and beyond.
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental issues, while Children’s Day highlights the rights, welfare and development of children.
