Youth in the Free State Region took a firm stand against plastic pollution over the weekend as they learned about the impact of single use plastic, littering and human behaviours that are contributing towards the degradation of the world we live in.

SCOUTS SA’s National Rover Advisory Council Chairman Katleho Mokoena is leading a Plastic Tide Turners Advocacy initiative in the Free State aimed at raising awareness and promoting behavioural change among Scout members. The project further includes building advocacy campaigns together with community leaders and youth to help clean up towns in the Region and promote plastic free schools.

The first 3-day Regional Plastic Tide Turners training was held at the Relebeletse Primary school in Bloemfontein with 70 young Scouts, Scout leaders and members of the Regional leadership team. The youth learned about what single use plastic is, and how it is destroying the natural biodiversity across the Province and beyond. They discussed alternatives, and also how changing their own behaviours could change their communities. They were inspired to lead the way for a greener, healthier and plastic – free community.

“The training provided a platform for Scouts and Rovers to participate in structured activities that enhanced their environmental knowledge, communication skills and teamwork abilities”, explains Katleho. “The young people were encouraged to take the lead in putting together local projects, and were taught how to get community involvement. We made sure to invite our youth in leadership roles as this helps to roll the projects out within the Scout Groups in a more structured way. Our youth leaders and adult volunteers have mentorship roles in our Groups, so by training them, they can now go back, train their peers and run local cleanup and awareness campaigns.”

Remoikantse

For some of the participants this was the first time they were able to discuss plastic pollution and exchange ideas. “The training was very good. We learned many new things about plastic and how it affects the environment. It was fun learning with different people and sharing ideas. We also learned how we can work together to solve environmental problems. Working together and hearing others’ opinions was the best part for me”, explained Remoikantse Kgaile.

Olerato

Olerato Makhonofane agreed ad added: “I had an amazing time, learning about the impact of plastic on our environment and simple changes we can make to reduce its effects. From reducing single-use plastics to upcycling and reusing, I realised every small action counts. I hope more people join the project to make a real difference. I also learned that the greatest danger to our future is lack of interest and knowledge, and we have to work together to create change.”

Now that the training has been concluded, the Scouts and Scouters will be rolling out their local awareness and clean up initiatives within their schools and neighbourhoods. A National training will be hosted soon where a representative of World Scouting’s Africa Region will further train youth and leaders in advocacy. After which, the Regional team will be engaging with governing bodies in some of the schools and with community members to work towards plastic free school campaigns and cleaner communities.

The Plastic Tide Turners Advocacy project is being implemented in partnership with World Scouting’s Africa Region and the United Nations Plastic Tide Turners Challenge.