Help Change Ghana (HCG) - a nonprofit organization which achieves its mission by raising awareness and educating people on the need to keep clean environment, reduce, reuse, recycle and compost waste via field campaigns and mobile SMS as well as IVR voice platform have taken the initiative to establish green clubs in  Accra schools.

It is of the view that; Accra’s annual population growth rate of four percent which makes it one of the fastest-growing metropolis in Africa gives rise to municipal waste management problems. The city’s increasing population of about five million inhabitants has also resulted in increased generation of volumes of waste, creating much concern to authorities responsible for managing the city.

Public Relations Manager of the organization, Mr. Ebenezer Annoh explained that the club formation was a way of making youthful decisions that balances the needs of today without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. He said students have an important role to play with respect to sustainability, and can make significant contributions to an equitable and sustainable quality of life for all.

He said; ‘we are responsible for our personal future, the future of Ghana and the world, and we can make a difference. If we act now to make Education for a Sustainable Future a reality, future generations will inherit a healthy planet’.

Green Clubs will therefore require persons with new skills, knowledge, attitudes and values in order to take personal responsibility for reuse, recycle and reduction of waste. No matter how we live, work, and play, everyone produces waste. We therefore have to control this waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling it.

The end results of the green clubs will in effect save money, energy, and natural resources, and thus teach children and young adults how solid waste affects their lives and their environment.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr. Elijah Mensah also explained that green club members will establish one-time or periodic drives to collect reusable and recyclable items. Reusable items, such as clothing, books, toys, computers, and other electronic equipment, or recyclable materials, such as paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic, can be brought to a drop-off location on an appointed day or days.

The Project Coordinator – Mr. Wisdom Senyo Gbetodeme advised students to donate the collected materials to a specific beneficiary, such as a library, shelter community, or charitable organization. He said the green clubs members can also sell the collected materials during school exhibition, parents day and or Speech and Prize giving day celebration thus using the profit for school or group activities.

HCG realized that many students leave school supplies in their lockers at the end of each year or dispose of them at home. Instead of throwing these items away, there is the need to regularly collect them for a community sale or donation drive. Some of these materials can be very useful to others.

The team also advocated for all and sundry to volunteer to be part of HCG and make a difference.

Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or looking to participate in service projects for the first time, many benefits and opportunities await you. Volunteerism provides people with the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, meet new people, and learn new skills, and put ideas and talents to work. Most importantly, volunteerism allows people to make a difference in their community. Join the HCG Green Team.

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