Abuja, June 6, 2026 – Schoolchildren in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received practical lessons on proper waste disposal and hand hygiene as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration.
The environmental awareness programme, organised by the Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF), took place at Pilot Science Primary School, Bwari, and attracted pupils and representatives from 10 schools.
Speaking during the event, a member of the health team, Sharon Kanjuni, explained that the initiative aimed to educate children on maintaining clean surroundings, adopting responsible waste disposal habits and preventing diseases through proper handwashing.
According to her, environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene go hand in hand in promoting healthier communities.
She urged the pupils to embrace good hygiene practices, noting that improper hand hygiene remains a major pathway for the spread of diseases.
Also speaking, the foundation’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Koko Olumuyiwa, said the organisation was committed to advancing environmental protection, sustainable development and public health education.
He stated that the foundation works to address environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change while encouraging the responsible use and conservation of natural resources.
Olumuyiwa stressed that exposing children to environmental education at an early age would help shape future generations that are conscious of their responsibilities toward the environment.
He added that the organisation would continue to support programmes that promote environmental awareness and healthy living across communities within and outside the FCT.
During an interactive session facilitated by members of the foundation, including Ikpi, Adanlawo Abidemi, Sowo-Tomilola Olalekan and Damola Opeyemi, pupils participated in role-plays demonstrating both positive and negative waste disposal behaviours.
The campaign featured storytelling, group contests, recycling exercises and hands-on demonstrations designed to make environmental learning engaging and practical.
Participants were introduced to the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling waste, while discarded materials such as bottles and paper were creatively transformed into useful household and classroom items.
Pupils who displayed outstanding understanding of proper waste management and hygiene practices were recognised as “Smart Waste Students” and encouraged to influence their peers positively.
A practical session on effective handwashing was also conducted, teaching the seven essential steps and emphasising the importance of washing hands with soap and clean water after using the restroom, before meals and after handling waste.
To strengthen the lessons learned, the children took part in educational songs and pledged to maintain clean environments and practise regular hand hygiene.
Facilitators further encouraged schools to establish Smart Waste and Hygiene Clubs to sustain environmental education efforts through peer-led activities and awareness campaigns.
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 to encourage greater awareness and action toward protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices worldwide.