By Hussaini Yero The Zamfara State chapter of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has organised a training ...
By Hussaini Yero
The Zamfara State chapter of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has organised a training session for students from selected schools on the economic value of waste management and its potential to support their education and promote environmental sustainability.
The training, held in Zurmi Local Government Area, brought together students from beneficiary secondary schools across Zurmi, Shinkafi, Kauran Namoda, and Birnin Magaji LGAs.
Speaking at the establishment and inauguration of AGILE School Clubs in the state, project facilitator Ishaka Idris Mai Kwai explained that the initiative aims to equip students with practical life skills, including environmental awareness, digital literacy, and strategies to prevent gender-based violence.
“The training serves a dual purpose. First, it raises students’ awareness about the economic opportunities in waste recycling. Second, it instils values that promote a healthier and safer environment,” Mai Kwai stated.
He emphasised the importance of teaching students how to convert waste materials into economically viable products, noting that this could empower them financially during their time in secondary school.
“There are many objects, even in commercial quantities, that are commonly regarded as waste. But when properly managed and recycled, they can become a sustainable source of income,” he explained. “This reduces their dependence on others to meet immediate needs.”
Zainab, another speaker at the event, highlighted the health benefits of the initiative, stressing that waste collection for economic gain also contributes to cleaner, disease-free communities, with fewer cases of malaria and cholera.
The training also addressed gender issues. Female students were encouraged to speak out against sexual harassment and to understand their constitutional rights. They were advised not to fear societal stigma and were urged to report incidents of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
“This event aligns with AGILE’s commitment to raising awareness on environmental issues such as climate change, its causes and effects, as well as promoting tree planting and proper waste management,” Mai Kwai added.
He concluded by urging students to take ownership of the infrastructure provided by the AGILE project—such as newly constructed and renovated school buildings and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities—by reporting any acts of vandalism to school authorities.
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