Today’s World Environment Day focuses on “Combatting Plastic Pollution”. Over the past years SCOUTS South Africa’s environmental programmes, and partnership in the UN Environment Programme “Tide Turner’s Plastic Challenge”, have mobilised thousands of children and youth to evaluate their single-use plastic habits, make informed choices to reduce their usage, recycle and upcycle plastic waste, raise awareness through peer education, and lead or participate in community clean-ups.
Currently, young leaders from around the country are implementing local Plastic Tide Turner initiatives. Over the upcoming youth- day weekend they will be trained by World Scouting’s Africa Regional Office in Environmental Advocacy so they can drive the message of sustainable consumption further within their communities to effect sustainable change.
These efforts are part of SCOUTS South Africa’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and align with Sustainable Development Goals 12 – 15. By turning knowledge into action, children as young as 5 years old (Meerkats), are helping to reduce plastic pollution in their communities and inspire lasting change.
Some of the other environmental initiatives implemented by SCOUTS South Africa that focus on promoting responsible consumption, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement include Litter Less, Champions for Nature, Biodiversity Awareness, and more. The organisation also partners with local government and companies to enable environmental learning and skills development in local schools.
As a youth Movement, with over 33 000 young people, SCOUTS South Africa strives to enable the development of practical skills that are relevant and are – will be – in demand within our society. Leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, project management are skills transferred through the Scouting programmes. The implementation of environmental projects also develops “green skills” that can further the employability of Scouting youth in the years to come.
Through these initiatives, SCOUTS South Africa continues to demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and community development, whilst driving youth contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. #scouts4sdgs