Programme to boost youth employment

By Marc Membrere 01 August 2021, 2:00PM

The British High Commission (B.H.C.) has increased its co-financing of the UNDP-run Circular Economy for the Recovery of Waste (CERO Waste) Programme.

The programme strives to create more youth employment in the country with the diplomatic mission being one of the co-financiers.

According to a statement issued by the B.H.C. the mission originally contributed a total of £37,000 in co-financing to the Glass Recovery to Accelerate Circular Solutions component of the project.

Last Wednesday the Acting British High Commissioner to Samoa, Ian Richards extended the United Kingdom’s assistance by giving an additional £10,000 this time to support the roll out of The Bag That Builds (T.B.T.B) collection system and educational programme for plastic waste.

“The British High Commission is delighted to be supporting this excellent initiative that will mark an important step forward in controlling Samoa’s growing plastic waste problem,” Mr. Richards said in the statement.

“We are impressed with the expertise and vision that the UNDP team has already shown in this area, and look forward to expanding our partnership with them.” 

The T.B.T.B programme will see primary and secondary schools in the Apia Urban Area provided with specific rubbish bags in order to segregate their plastic waste, which will then be collected and transported to a processing facility to convert the material into an aggregate capable of partially replacing natural sand in the manufacturing of concrete products.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and officer in charge, Verena Linneweber, had earlier highlighted the importance of the programme.

“Whilst providing a potential solution that prevents more plastic waste from entering landfill or the environment, what is most exciting and potentially transformational about T.B.T.B programme is the involvement of the future custodians of Samoa’s natural heritage, children and youth,” she said.

The programme strategically targets the engagement of children and youth and seeks to build their awareness and capacity to segregate plastic waste at source, whilst nurturing their catalytic potential to become community advocates for circular economy solutions.

By Marc Membrere 01 August 2021, 2:00PM
Samoa Observer

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