By Mike Rwothomio

On World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Radio Paidha, in collaboration with Collein Aid, launched a one-day "Clean Paidha" campaign in Zombo district to champion environmental conservation and promote sustainable solid waste management.

The organizers stated that the initiative also aimed to empower students to take responsibility for their environment, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

Participation in activities such as tree planting, cleanups, and recycling programs provides hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration and waste reduction.

Students, CSOs, clean Paidha streets.

Themed "Ending Plastic Pollution," the initiative engaged students, civil society organizations, and Paidha Town Council officials in cleaning Paidha Central Market, streets, and Paidha Health Center III to combat littering and promote sustainable practices.

Ronald Oracuwun, Station Manager of Radio Paidha, expressed concern over the high volume of improper disposal of plastic waste within Paidha Central Market and other areas, urging the public to take action against plastic pollution and embrace sustainable waste management.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world’s 1.2 billion young people (aged 15-24) face disproportionate climate burdens due to limited adaptive capacity, exacerbating environmental inequities and underscoring the need for youth-led conservation efforts.

Dan Pikisa, Executive Director of Collein Aid, a non-governmental organization, called for collective action to ensure ecosystem preservation and pollution reduction, emphasizing the adverse impacts of climate change on all life forms.

The event attracted hundred of learners from Paidha Secondary School, Charity College Paidha, and Mvungu Upper Primary School, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of critical environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution.

Joshua Rwothomio, a student at Charity College Paidha who participated in the Clean Paidha initiative, pledged to “advocate and spread awareness in schools and communities” about sustainable solid waste management practices.

Meanwhile, Winny Samsa, a student at Paidha Secondary School, stated, “We are here to participate in this activity and demonstrate to the community that proper waste disposal matters. We must unite to address this environmental challenge.”

Paidha Town Council, located near the DR Congo border, attracts thousands of market vendors, especially on its main market days, Wednesday and Saturday. The town faces significant challenges in waste management despite the council’s efforts to address garbage accumulation.

Some staff of radio Paidha during the exercise.

This Radio Paidha and Collein Aid initiative plays a vital role in leading conservation efforts, fostering leadership skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving for a sustainable future.

Amos Jacan, Zombo’s youth chairperson who participated in the cleanup, called on “youths to be at the forefront of climate action initiatives.

Queen of West Nile, Patricia Jane Alobo, another participant, actively engaged market vendors on sustainable waste management practices, urging leaders, “As we train and sensitize the community on waste management, we need to provide large waste bins where people can dispose of solid waste. We observed that many lack proper disposal options.

Nelson Ogentho, ONC coordinator for Zombo, encouraged learners to develop skills in project management, teamwork, communication, and environmental science to become drivers of climate justice and sustainability.

Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, launched the event at the Mayor’s Garden in Paidha Town Council, encouraging students to become ambassadors for climate justice and environmental stewardship.

Stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact on communities. Students can inspire peers, families, and local communities to adopt sustainable practices through efforts like cleanups and campaigns that directly enhance local ecosystems and public spaces.

This Direct student involvement in climate justice initiatives may lead to innovative solutions like eco-friendly projects, personal growth, well-being, and the amplification of global movements for environmental sustainability.

Students can join or lead campaigns, aligning with global efforts like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as their energy and creativity amplify the reach and impact of environmental movements.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th to raise awareness and encourage action for environmental protection. Today, June 05, 2025, marks this global event, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Each year, it focuses on a specific theme to address pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, or biodiversity loss. The 2025 theme, as per UNEP's latest announcements, centers on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, aligning with the ongoing UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa