Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria | July 2026
Young people in Osajin Community of Ibadan are taking meaningful action for a cleaner environment after participating in IYACODI’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle environmental training, inspired by lessons from the Erasmus+ GREENOVATE Youth Exchange held in Livingstone, Zambia.
About the Event
The training was organized by the Inclusive Youths and Community Development Initiative (IYACODI) at Connection Point Parish, Junior Church, Osajin Community, Ajibode, Ibadan. It was facilitated by Unimashi Ugbe, an IYACODI Ambassador and GREENOVATE Youth Exchange delegate, as part of IYACODI’s commitment to translating international knowledge into practical community action.
The session introduced participants to the causes and effects of environmental pollution and equipped them with practical ways to protect their environment through the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Using an interactive learning approach, participants engaged in discussions, teamwork, drama, songs, posters, and creative presentations that encouraged active participation and peer learning. Younger children aged 0-5 years also participated through age-appropriate activities, including nature observation, drawing, and environmental songs, ensuring an inclusive learning experience for all.
Attendance and Participation
The training brought together approximately 40 children, teenagers, and volunteers from the Osajin Community. Participants actively contributed to group discussions and collaborative activities, while adult volunteers and older youths supported younger participants throughout the session. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation reflected the community’s growing interest in environmental education and youth-led climate action.
Impact
The training strengthened participants’ understanding of environmental pollution and the importance of the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle principles in everyday life. Through peer-to-peer learning and creative presentations, participants demonstrated their knowledge by producing songs, posters, drama, and practical examples that promoted environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.
The session concluded with a collective environmental pledge, with participants committing to practice the 3Rs and promote responsible environmental habits within their homes, schools, and communities. They were also encouraged to share what they had learned with family members, friends, and neighbours, extending the impact beyond the approximately 40 direct participants and fostering greater environmental awareness across the wider Osajin Community.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this initiative, IYACODI will continue to expand community-based environmental education and climate action programmes that empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become environmental champions. Through initiatives like this, the organization remains committed to transforming global learning into sustainable local action for cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
