LABASA College has become the first school in the North to launch the school waste management program.
The program aims at strengthening environmental awareness and encouraging long-term behaviour change among students.
Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya said the initiative was an important step in bringing environmental action directly into schools and communities.
“Labasa College is the first school in the Northern Division to take this step, and that is something to be proud of,” she said.
Ms Tabuya said the program was not only about waste management but also about building responsibility among young people.
“This is not just about putting bins in schools. It is about building habits that will last a lifetime.”
She said students had a major role in influencing behaviour at home and in their communities.
“You are the generation of change. You will influence your parents, your families, and your communities to do better.”
She said the school was selected because of its size and it’s located in the central of Labasa.
“If we include your families, you are representing more than 2000 people in this room.”
She said environmental protection must begin at school level, warning that improper waste disposal has long-term consequences.
“When rubbish is thrown into drains or rivers, it does not disappear. It ends up in the ocean and affects marine life and our food sources.”
She said waste management was also a health and dignity issue.
“Rubbish is not just an environmental issue. It is a health issue and a dignity issue.”
She said the program was expected to include waste separation and recycling awareness activities as part of ongoing environmental education efforts.
