Sierra Leone School Green Clubs (SLSGC)

Creating a New Future That Works for All

2025 Highlights & Achievements :

1️⃣ Plastic Pollution Policy Popularisation

With support from Ocean Conservancy, SLSGC engaged five rural coastal communities to raise awareness of the Sierra Leone Plastic Pollution Policy. Stakeholders involved included youth leaders, fisherfolk, and community authorities in understanding the implementation of the policy.

2️⃣ Beach Cleanups Across Five Communities

Community-driven clean-ups resulted in major environmental dividends:

5 coastal communities mobilized

Over 5,000 kg of marine debris removed

Waste included plastics, bottles, fishing gear, and other harmful marine litter.

These actions restored coastal environments and empowered community ownership over local environmental protection.

3️⃣ Environmental Education for Schools & Youths

SLSGC delivered environmental education programs across the Western Rural District:

5 schools reached

1,000 students engaged

500 Youths Trained

The topics covered included waste management, plastic pollution, tree planting, and climate resilience. Young people were inspired to become environmental ambassadors in their communities.

4️⃣ Cultural Exchange with U.S. Schools

Through the United Planet Cross-Cultural School Exchange Program, students from five Sierra Leonean schools engaged in exchanges on culture and environment with partner schools in the United States.

They shared stories about the environment, climate action projects, and cultural experiences to extend global understanding and strengthened international collaboration.

5️⃣ Waste Data Collection for Ocean Conservancy

SLSGC carried out detailed waste monitoring:

Two beaches in Western Urban District

Two beaches in Western Rural District

Collected data inform national coastal waste analyses, global marine debris databases, evidence-based policymaking, and future cleanup strategies.

Our Collective Impact

2025 was a year of growth, partnerships, and grassroots environmental action.

SLSGC enhanced environmental awareness and climate resilience across Sierra Leone through education, cleanups, community mobilization, and global exchange programs.

We continue to be committed to developing the next generation of environmental leaders and fostering environmentally responsible practices in schools and communities.

 Key Challenges Faced in 2025

1. Limited Funding

Insufficient financial support affected program expansion, frequency of cleanups, and school outreach activities.

2. Poor Waste Management Infrastructure

The biggest issue is that many communities lack systems of waste collection, bins, recycling centers, and appropriate management of landfills, making any sustained cleanup effort difficult.

3. Low Awareness of Plastic Pollution Policy

Some members of the community did not understand the policy at a national level; therefore, sensitization was necessary for eventual long-term change in behaviour.

4. Limited Educational Materials

Schools were without posters, guides, and other tools for effective environmental education.

5. Limited Volunteer Capacity

Some of the constraints faced by volunteers were lack of transport allowance, school or work commitments, and limited training in waste monitoring and data collection.

6. Unreliable Internet Connectivity

Poor internet access further affected communication with project partners, participation in virtual exchange, and sharing updates online.

7. Inadequate means for collection of data

Lack of GPS devices, weighing scales, cameras, and tablets limited accuracy and real-time documentation during cleanups.

8. Weather-Related Disruptions

Heavy rains paralysed outreach programs, school activities, and coastal engagements.

9. Sustainability of Community Engagement

Some of these communities relapsed into poor waste management practices because of poverty, lack of alternatives, and weak law enforcement.

 Gratitude

 SLSGC would like to thank:  Ocean Conservancy, United Planet, partner schools, youth leaders, volunteers, and all coastal communities. Your support made 2025 a year of meaningful environmental action and collaboration. Together, we create a new future that works for all.