The Magiagi Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Youth Group has so far collected close to 600 kilograms of plastic waste in line with their target of reaching a tonne by the end of 2026.

Magiagi SDA Youth is one of ten youth groups tasked with collecting two tons of plastic waste by the end of 2026. This part of the European Union-funded Plastic Collection Project has received a grant of $10,000 to carry out its work.

The Magiagi youth’s effort, titled “Our Future is Now Project”, has already seen promising progress. From March to April, the group collected an estimated 591.7 kilograms of plastic bottles and cans. The group efforts continue through May and June with consistent weekly cleanups and collection.

The youth are supported not only by fellow church members but also by family, friends, and the wider Magiagi community. Individuals collect waste at home and deliver it to the youth. The youth sorts these delivered wastes, removing caps and separating cans from plastic. 

Every Saturday, the youth split into three teams: one cleans the village roads to the National University of Samoa, another focuses on inner Magiagi roads, and the third collects along the seawall areas, where plastic pollution remains persistent. This year, the Magiagi youth have also partnered with Magiagi Primary School, encouraging the younger generation to join the plastic reduction campaign. 

Youth member, Llyod JR Siaosi said participating in the project has been both meaningful and educational.

“Collecting plastics is important because it helps protect our environment, especially our oceans and land from pollution,” he said.

“It also teaches us to be more responsible with how we use and dispose of plastic in our daily lives. Being part of this project makes me feel like I’m making a real difference in my community and helping to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste. It’s also a great opportunity to work with others and learn how small actions can lead to big changes.”

Beyond collection, the youth group also engages in broader community outreach. Every year, SDA youth groups across Samoa celebrate Youth Day, either in March or May, by conducting cleanups and coastal restoration efforts. 

The group leader described the initiative as a "beautiful opportunity" aligned with one of the Pathfinder laws to preserve and conserve the natural environment. 

“We’ve seen the awareness grow. When the youth come across plastics, they pick them up, clean them, and pack it. It’s become second nature,” said the group leader.

The youth currently number around 20 members, and they are nearly halfway to their goal. Despite the funding being a motivation, the leader emphasised that their work began long before financial incentives were available.

 “This is not just about the fund. We’ve been collecting waste for years. The reward simply supports a mission we already believed in,” she said.

In parallel, the group’s home composting initiative reaches an estimated 100 families, educating them on minimising landfill waste and turning organic matter into fertiliser.