By Jeremiah Agada
Dwelling on the well-tested definition of sustainability which consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being, foremost environmentalist, Desmond Majekodunmi had called on the inclusion of youths and children in the sustainability agenda.
He argued, “Sustainability is an agenda that has to do with the very existence of tomorrow’s environmental stewards and the best time to involve them was yesterday but the next best time to do so is today,” he explained at the inception of the inaugural Eko Climate Hackathon held earlier in the year, where he was a keynote speaker.
The clarion call was loud and clear and Nestlé Nigeria PLC, one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa must have being on the same wavelength of thought with Mr. Majekodunmi because this year, the company is helping over 1,000 children, beneficiaries of its bespoke Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) programme in six primary schools in Nigeria, to imbibe a sustainability mindset from an early age while also learning about more sustainable approaches to managing and recycling waste to enable them become better stewards of the planet.
This is a massive leap from the 150 children in two primary schools in Ogun State who benefitted from the programme in 2021. A breakdown of the statistics for this year’s programme shows that it has been scaled up to six N4HK beneficiary schools with four in Ogun State and two within the FCT. The schools include – Methodist Primary School 2, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta; Oke Ona United Primary School, Abeokuta; NUD Primary School, Owode and All Saints Primary School, Owode. The schools in the FCT are UBE Primary School Kuje and Science Primary School, Kuje.
The Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) is a flagship initiative which aims to help 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 activities, good hygiene practices and healthy hydration.
In collaboration with the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), Nestlé Nigeria is training the primary five learners on a more sustainable approach to managing and recycling waste in a bid to enable them become better stewards of the planet.
In a statement announcing the kick-off of the training at Methodist Primary School 2, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Victoria Uwadoka said, “Nestlé Nigeria is committed to driving more sustainability awareness to help protect the planet for future generations as embedded within our purpose at Nestlé.
“We are therefore delighted with the collaboration of all stakeholders including the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board and the Special Adviser to Governor on Education on this shared objective.”
“As multiple research projects have proven, habits imbibed early in life are more likely to remain with us into the future. Therefore, training children on the importance of protecting our environment is a strong contribution towards ensuring more responsible management of post- consumption waste as they grow, taking us closer to achieving a waste free future.”
Elaborating on the objectives of the training, Mr. Olumide Idowu, founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative said, “The sustainability training is designed to equip the children with the requisite knowledge and support, enabling them take responsibility in school and at home. Everyone, including children, needs to be involved in this huge task of protecting the environment.”
The Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr Femi Majekodunmi represented by the Board Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Kuye, commended Nestlé Nigeria for the laudable initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable environment friendly practices within public primary schools in the state. He stated that training learners on waste management and recycling will ultimately contribute positively to a safe and hygienic environment.
In her comments, The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo appreciated Nestlé’s consistent contribution and investment in education within the state. She stated that the expected outcomes of the training are positive behavioral change to enhance environmental sustainability and in addition, the opportunity for learners to be upskilled on the conversion of waste to useful items.
Nestle Nigeria’s N4HK programme for grooming tomorrow’s sustainability stewards today is part of an ongoing global effort that has seen companies with vested interest in doing sustainable business as well as bodies like the United Nations embark on campaigns in this regard.
The United Nations for example, launched a campaign over two years ago called the Climate Action Superheroes, that targets children under the age of twelve as agents of change. In the campaign, eight superheroes – the Energy Expert, Fashion Fixer, Fume Fighter Green Guide, Recycle Ranger, Truth Talker, Veggie Vindicator and Water Wizard – engage children, and parents, in fun missions on topics such as reducing single-use plastic, saving energy and water, fixing and reusing clothes, eating more vegetables, and sharing scientific facts.
On this, Nanette Braun, Director of Campaigns in the UN Department of Global Communications says, “We want children to be aware of the difference they can make through everyday actions,” said “Lifelong behaviours are shaped at an early age and we hope that providing the knowledge and tools to help build a more sustainable future will have lasting impact.”
