STEP BY STEP CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN, Cameroon

Project name: HUNTING REFUSE: STEP BY STEP CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN FOR A HEALTHIER CAMEROON

Project location: Cameroon/Yaounde

Project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrATnVnXO5g

Project description:

What?
The « Green Lovers » is a group of ten young Cameroonian German teachers. This group intends to move from one quarter to another with the aim of drawing people’s awareness on the dangers of an unhealthy environment; and stimulating their participation in the promotion of a healthier and secured environment. We intend to cover quarters or areas where “Hysacam” (the national company of hygiene and healthiness) does not have access. We have observed that people have many difficulties in how to deal or manage their wastes like it is the case in “Elig-Effa”, a quarter situated at the center of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. Many people contract illnesses because their surroundings are not clean. Moreover, as the dirt or the wastes gather to form mountains so are the “Elig-Effa” inhabitants exposed to insecurity and diseases. 
How do we operate?
We organize “garbage hunting” days during which:

• We gather wastes/refuse and clear the surroundings;
• We encourage the youth to take part in this project and to regularly carry out  such actions; 
• We draw people’s awareness on the consequences of an unhealthy environment;
• We teach people how to use different trash cans for different wastes following the German model.

Our project, which is based on actions, stands under the motto: “Vom Wissen zum nachhaltigen Handeln” (that is from knowledge to sustainable actions).

Goal and purpose of the project:

Purpose of the project
This project aims at cleaning up the quarters in which we operate so that they should become healthier places; sensitizing the inhabitants to willingly participate in the project, to use different trash cans for different refuse and to recycle those that are recyclable. The main aim being the improvement of their living conditions by drawing their awareness on the importance of a healthy environment, so that they can regularly clean up their surroundings and avoid throwing away the refuse everywhere. All of these will enable them to live in health and safety in a better environment. 

Motivation of the applicant / applicant team:

Our Motivation
The choice of this project is based on the fact that our country is in danger if we consider the state of the environment. We have noticed that many illnesses are caused by the uncleanliness of our cities, and we have looked for a way to cope with this problem. After a series of reflection, discussions and debates, we have decided to carry out this project in order to show our commitment through various actions. 

Use of prize money:

The step forward
We look into the

• construction of recycling stations in the quarters concerned; where we will collect separated refuse. 
• selling the recyclable wastes to interested companies that can reuse them as row materials
• production of compost from organic waste. 
• purchase of working materials
• rewarding the cleanest quarter