The escalating prevalence of illegal dumpsites in Bulawayo, exacerbated by economic challenges, has led to severe health hazards, particularly diarrheal diseases, affecting residents in close proximity. Urgent action is imperative to implement sustainable waste management solutions, encompassing waste reduction, recycling, public education, and infrastructure improvements, to safeguard public health, promote environmental sustainability, and stimulate economic growth in the city. This issue targets alot of youth within the city, so the hub proposes a solution to address the city's solid waste management challenge, with a strong focus on community education and empowerment. The hub will identify suitable schools, allocating the necessary resources for waste management. Through a 9-month climate awareness program in selected schools, this project will empower young people, encouraging them to become proactive advocates for climate action, thus fostering a more sustainable and inclusive green future for Bulawayo.

The hub will:

1. Select 5 primary schools, conduct climate awareness presentations and establish Climate Shapers Clubs.


2. Donate waste bins to schools for waste segregation, including bins for composting, paper, bottles, and general waste.


3. Teach students to use segregated biodegradable waste to create compost heaps for organic fertilizer production, aiming to raise funds for the school and Climate Shapers.


4. Foster a sense of ownership among Climate Shapers within the school, encouraging waste segregation and empowering them to influence fellow students and families.


5. Collaborate with waste collection companies to regularly collect recyclables, providing income to the school/club.


6. Encourage schools to utilise the earned funds to purchase essentials such as toilet paper, sanitary pads, exercise books, pens, etc., and potentially establish a soup kitchen to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals.

The short term goals for this project is to increase information on climate change and environmental awareness in the community provision of waste bins and education on proper waste segregation. This will lead to immediate changes in waste disposal habits within the schools, thus creating a culture of recycling and resource recovery and encouraging ownership of climate change initiatives among the youth.

While the long term goal is to reduce waste that goes to landfills through waste reduction and responsible waste management. While creating a network of climate change champions within the city through collaborations and partnerships. Generating interest in research on advanced waste management technologies, thus contributing to the city’s goal of becoming a green city.