Apia, Samoa – Twelve schools in Samoa have successfully completed the pilot phase of the Recover-Enrich-Appreciate-Prosper (REAP) education programme and The Bag that Builds (TBTB) initiative. These programs, developed under the UNDP’s Circular Economy for the Recovery of Waste in Samoa Transition Project (CERO), aim to promote sustainable waste management practices and foster environmental responsibility among students.
The REAP program, alongside TBTB, was designed to educate and engage students in practical waste management activities, particularly focusing on the recovery and recycling of plastic waste. Over the course of three months, the participating schools collectively prevented over 6,631 kg of plastic waste from ending up in landfills, significantly surpassing the initial target of 1,000 kg. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of these educational initiatives in promoting environmental stewardship among Samoa’s youth.
The program’s completion was marked by a ceremony at the One UN House in Tuanaimato, where representatives from the participating schools received plaques for installation at their schools and certificates recognizing their involvement. The schools involved in these initiatives included Saint Mary’s Primary School, Vaiala Beach School, Ah Mu Academy, Marist Primary School, Robert Louis Stevenson Primary School and College, Peace Chapel Christian School, Le Amosa o Savavau Preparatory School, Papauta Girls College, Tanugamanono Primary School, Avele College, and Leifiifi College.
These initiatives were implemented in partnership with the Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture, with support from the UK government.
This information was originally shared on the UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue Facebook page, detailing the event and the progress made through these programs.
