Top: Winners of the European Union Delegation in Liberia’s recycling competition for young people. The DayLight/Esau J. Farr
By Esau J. Farr
MONROVIA – The European Union (EU) Delegation in Liberia has awarded young innovators in recycling plastic waste to create a safer environment. The ceremony took place over the weekend at the EU’s Embassy in Monrovia after interactive demonstrations by five finalists showing how to turn waste into reusable products.
“The Rise and Recycle Competition is more than just a contest. It is a movement,” said Nona Deprez, EU Ambassador to Liberia. “We are proud to celebrate the creativity and dedication of young participants who are driving tangible change in our communities and inspiring everyone to take action for the environment.”
The competition was launched in June this year to support innovative recycling activities among youths at the community, school, and individual levels. It challenged participants across the country to develop creative solutions for waste management, recycling, and environmental conservation.
Dozens of youths began the competition, but it was Archie Forpoh, founder of Ignite EcoGear and Orange Liberia Digital trainer, who won first place. Annita Zenneh and Nelson Kialen took the second and third places, respectively.
Forpoh was given a tablet, a phone and a certificate of participation with a three-month internship at the United Nations Development Program. Zenneh and Nenwon each walked away with a cellphone, a certificate and a three-month internship at EverGreen Recycling Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency, respectively.
Speaking to The DayLight on the margins of the ceremony, Forpoh relished his achievement as the competition’s first-place winner.
“Working with the UN is one of my dreams,” he said. “Seeing it coming to light as an intern is something I think that will help push me to another level.”
Forpoh, who recently competed in Kenya, said he presented the same idea at a competition and was widely regarded among his peers.
“I am going to make use of the three months there and add to my experience to improve my institution,” he added.
For Zenneh and Kialen, it was a great moment and an achievement to be announced as the second and third-place winners among the five finalists.
“It is such an amazing feeling and the best for me right now in the world,” Zenneh said. “I am hoping to experience more while working with EverGreen in the next three months to get a broader knowledge of how to manage and transform waste into things that are beneficial to us.”
The internship program for the competition winners will begin in January next year, according to the EU.
Environmental pollution is one of Liberia’s leading causes of climate change. Its main source is waste generated from plastic use and poor waste management systems, especially in urban areas. It poses a significant risk to Liberia’s over 5 million people.
Environmentalists and campaigners urge proper waste disposal, but plastic waste continues to pile up, clogging drainage, littering beaches.
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