At Jana Jyoti School, Golanjor, students are taking the lead in waste management through the Waste Smart Club, an initiative supported by Project CAP. Equipped with the Waste Smart Kit, club members organize weekly cleanup programs and actively promote plastic waste reduction within their school and community. 

Following a capacity-building training conducted by Project CAP in June 2024, the 11 members of the Waste Smart Club have been instrumental in engaging the entire school in waste management activities. Utilizing funds provided by Project CAP, they organize awareness programs, inspiring their peers to adopt sustainable waste practices. Their efforts go beyond simple cleanup-they are emerging as young environmental leaders, fostering a culture of responsibility and conservation. 

A key initiative of the club is waste segregation, where students sort waste into designated bins-Red, Green, and Blue-at the Waste Smart Museum. This hands-on approach enables students to learn beyond textbooks, gaining real-world insights into waste management, environmental conservation, and sustainability. 

The transformation in the school’s waste management practices is commendable. Once, waste was burned unsegregated on school premises, causing environmental and health hazards. Today, thanks to the Waste Smart Club, waste is properly managed and disposed of at designated municipal landfills. This behavioral shift among students, teachers, and school administrators marks a significant success for Project CAP, demonstrating the power of awareness and action. 

By taking small but impactful steps, these young leaders are influencing friends, families, and their broader community, proving that change begins at the grassroots level. Their dedication is not only transforming their school environment but also shaping new societal norms for a cleaner and greener future. 
-Lila Paudel
(Environment Safeguarding Officer)