Nestlé Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), has successfully trained over 750 children in six primary schools in Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, as part of the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program.
The program, now in its third season, aims to imbibe a sustainability mindset in children from an early age, equipping them to become better stewards of the planet.
The participating children were introduced to waste management techniques, conversion of waste to useful items, and encouraged to adopt positive behavioral changes to enhance environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the Sokoya Memorial Primary School in Sagamu, Ogun State, Victoria Uwadoka, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria, said, “Equipping children with the right information to help them develop a sustainability mindset is a significant first step in ensuring more responsible management of waste in line with our shared vision of a waste-free future.”
David Solarin, the Director of Water Regulatory Enforcement and Advocacy for the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, praised Nestlé Nigeria for its laudable initiative, saying, “We are glad that Nestlé is taking up this responsibility for the primary school space. The Ministry will continue to work with stakeholders, especially the private sector, for a clean, safe and hygienic environment.”
To provide hands-on experience, 50 children from Gadonasko Science Primary School and Dobi Primary School in Gwagwalada Abuja visited Ecobarter, a sustainable waste management and solutions company, for further exposure to recycling, upcycling, and more practical sessions.
Keziah Dabo, a primary 5 learner from Gadonasko Science Primary School, said, “We want to thank Nestlé and ICCDI for the opportunity to learn about recycling, reusing, and reducing waste through the Sustainability Training and today’s Excursion to Ecobarter.”
Nestlé Sustainability Training for Kids, implemented in N4HK beneficiary schools, is one of the initiatives from Nestlé Nigeria to support the company’s ambition of ensuring that none of its packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfills or waterways.
Since its inception in 2021, the annual training has reached over 2,000 children from fourteen of the N4HK beneficiary schools in Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory.
Nestlé for Healthier Kids is a flagship initiative aimed at helping 50 million children globally lead healthier lives by 2030. In Nigeria, N4HK incorporates a school-based nutrition education program, which helps children imbibe healthy habits including good nutrition, active lifestyles through adequate physical activity, good hygiene practices, and healthy hydration.
Founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), expressed his satisfaction with the program, saying, “We are happy that more children are benefitting from this training. ICCDI will continue to do her part in ensuring that future generations are equipped with the requisite knowledge to enable them to appreciate our planet and understand their responsibility and role towards protecting it.”
