The Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has sensitised school children in Abuja on smart waste management and handwashing hygiene.
CERADF said the programme was organised to commemorate the 2026 World’s Environment Day in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at Pilot Science Primary School, Bwari, on Friday, brought together pupils and representatives from 10 schools.
The statement was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja by Eswati-Luka Ikpi, the CERADF Operations Secretary.
Speaking, members of the health team, Sharon Kanjuni, said the initiative was designed to equip children with practical knowledge on environmental cleanliness, responsible waste management and disease prevention through proper hand hygiene.
Kanjuni emphasised the importance of combining environmental responsibility with personal hygiene.
“Smart students don’t just throw waste properly—they also keep their hands clean because dirty hands spread diseases,” she said while addressing the pupils.
The foundation’s Director of Programmes, Mr Koko Olumuyiwa, said the initiative aligned with CERADF’s mission of promoting environmental rights, sustainable development and public health awareness.
“CERAD Foundation was established to advance environmental rights, advocacy, implementation and sustainable development across Africa.
“Our mission is to help mitigate pollution, tackle climate change, protect the environment, promote peace and conserve natural resources for present and future generations,” he said.
Olumuyiwa added that empowering children with environmental knowledge and practical skills would help nurture a generation of responsible environmental stewards.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the group to advancing environmental education, public health awareness and sustainable development initiatives across communities in the FCT and beyond.
In an interactive session facilitated by the team members, including Ikpi, Adanlawo Abidemi, Sowo-Tomilola Olalekan and Damola Opeyemi, pupils acted out examples of good and poor waste disposal habits.
The awareness campaign also featured storytelling sessions, group competitions, creative recycling exercises and practical demonstrations.
Participants were taught how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials, with demonstrations showing how discarded bottles and paper could be transformed into useful items such as pencil holders and flower vases.
Students who demonstrated proper waste management and handwashing practices were recognised as “Smart Waste Students” and encouraged to serve as role models for their peers.
The programme also included a practical demonstration of the seven steps of effective handwashing, highlighting the importance of washing hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before eating and after handling waste materials.
To reinforce the lessons, pupils participated in hygiene-themed songs and recited a pledge committing themselves to keeping their environment clean and practising regular handwashing.
CERADF facilitators further encouraged schools to establish Smart Waste and Hygiene Clubs to sustain the campaign’s impact through peer-led environmental education activities.
The World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental issues.
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