On 17 July 2025, YMCA Cameroon held a community-based environmental awareness campaign in Nsimeyong 2, Yaoundé, as part of its Recycling Agency project.
The initiative aimed to inform residents about the dangers of plastic waste, its long decomposition time and the benefits of sorting and recycling. A team of 14 youth volunteers led a door-to-door outreach, engaging more than 40 households with practical messages about eco-friendly practices.
Residents were encouraged to store plastic bottles at home or deliver them to designated recovery points. The campaign also served as an opportunity to promote youth leadership and community responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Strong engagement despite challenges
The campaign was well received, with several families pledging to adopt more sustainable habits. Volunteers noted a strong sense of curiosity and willingness to participate among most households. However, challenges included the lack of collection bins in some areas and initial hesitation from a few residents.
Organisers recommended increasing access to recovery infrastructure and conducting follow-up visits to reinforce key messages and track community participation.
The campaign marked a positive step toward building a cleaner, more informed community and raised the visibility of the Recycling Agency project across Yaoundé.
The project is part of the EU Youth Empowerment Fund Network Solutions, implemented through the Global Youth Mobilization.