Meet Nabin Poudel, from Bharatpur an aspiring student and General Secretary of the Waste Smart Club at Sajhapur Secondary School in Bharatpur, Nepal. At just 14 years of age, Nabin is already leading an aspiring student and General Secretary of the Waste Smart Club at Sajhapur Secondary School in Bharatpur, Nepal, is advocating for a reduction in plastic consumption and waste at his school. His incredible work exemplifies how young people can drive important social change. Thanks to the training session and knowledge provided by CRESION. 

The turning point in Nabin’s journey came when he and other club members attended a two-day training session in Kathmandu organized by CREASION. The training wasn’t just about waste segregation and recycling; it was about learning to lead by example and inspire others. Nabin remembers how the interactive workshops, such as the waste-sorting games, made the learning process fun and effective. “We didn’t just learn about waste management—we learned how to teach others and lead by example,” he says, a lesson that has become the foundation of his work within the club.

Today, his leadership in the fight against plastic waste is about more than just organizing clean-ups—it's about creating a culture of environmental responsibility and inclusion among his peers, while learning valuable lessons that will guide him throughout his life.

When Nabin first joined the Waste Smart Club, he never imagined how deeply it would shape him. He realized that the key to success in this project wasn’t just spreading awareness but creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender or background, felt empowered to contribute. The team was intentionally diverse—five boys and six girls, ensuring that both genders played an equal role in making a change. “We wanted the club to represent everyone," says Nabin, recalling how he, the club president, and the Waste Smart focal teacher from his school, Mr. Shangram Pokhrel, carefully selected members with an emphasis on inclusivity. He believed that environmental issues, like plastic pollution, impact everyone and that everyone should have a voice in solving them.

But the road wasn’t always smooth. Working with younger students in grades 5 to 7 was relatively easy—they were eager to follow instructions and take part. However, convincing the older students in grades 10-12 to engage was a different challenge. “It was hard to get their attention at first because they were older than us,” Nabin admits. But instead of giving up, he and his team kept at it, showing the older students, that environmental responsibility transcends age. Over time, they broke through the barriers and gained the respect of their senior peers. This was a major turning point for Nabin, as he realized that leadership isn’t about age it’s about passion, commitment, and the ability to inspire others.

Balancing his schoolwork with the responsibility of running the Waste Smart Club was another hurdle. Organizing clean-up campaigns, spreading awareness, and coordinating events required careful time management. “It wasn’t easy at first. I had to juggle school and club activities, but I learned how to manage my time better,” Nabin reflects. He credits this experience with teaching him not only how to prioritize but also how to work efficiently under pressure skills that have been invaluable in both his academic and leadership pursuits.

Nabin’s leadership has brought real, tangible changes to his school. Under his leadership, the Waste Smart Club initiated several campaigns, including a cycle rally with messages about plastic waste management and school-wide clean-up drives. These events weren’t just about cleaning they were about educating the wider community, raising awareness, and sparking conversations about how everyone can contribute to a cleaner, greener environment. The impact has been significant: fewer students are bringing plastic bottles to school, and bring junk foods wrapped in plastic wrappers have been banned at school, canteen has shifted away from selling plastic-wrapped junk foods, encouraging healthier alternatives. Nabin is particularly proud of how the school environment has become cleaner and how students are now more conscious of their role in managing waste.

Despite the challenges, Nabin has grown more confident in his leadership abilities. “Before I joined the club, I was just a regular student,” he says. “But now, I see myself as someone who can lead, who can make a difference.” That shift in mindset has fueled his drive to continue spreading awareness and inspiring others, whether it's within his school, family, or the community. Nabin’s journey has proven that even small actions, when taken consistently, can lead to meaningful change.

Looking toward the future, Nabin is optimistic and enthusiastic about continuing his work. “Plastics are not good for our health or the environment,” he says, emphasizing how the convenience of plastic often overshadows its harmful impact. “We should be thoughtful before using it. Avoiding single-use plastics is the best thing we can do for the planet.” Nabin also stresses that managing waste at the source by segregating degradable and non-degradable waste is crucial for effective waste management. “It’s a small but vital step. Segregation is key, and recycling is a practice we all need to adopt.”

As Nabin reflects on his journey, he remains determined to continue making a difference. “If we start small and stay consistent, we can achieve big things,” he says. His vision is clear: a world free from plastic pollution, where everyone young and old takes responsibility for protecting the environment. Nabin’s story is a powerful reminder that the actions of today will shape the world of tomorrow.

If Nabin’s journey has inspired you, it’s time to take action. We all have a role to play in reducing plastic waste and managing our resources better. Whether it’s using reusable bags, participating in local environmental initiatives, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of waste segregation, every small step counts. Join the movement and help make the world a cleaner, greener place.