The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), through the LAWMA Academy, has launched the 2026 edition of its annual Summer School to equip children with practical knowledge in environmental sustainability, recycling, and responsible waste management.
Eko Hot News reports that the four-week programme, themed “Young Eco-Heroes: Protecting Our Environment,” officially commenced at the LAWMA headquarters in Ijora, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to raising environmentally conscious young Lagosians.
The programme is designed for children between the ages of seven and fifteen and combines classroom learning with practical activities that promote sustainable environmental practices.
Declaring the programme open, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described children as key partners in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
He said lasting environmental progress depends on continuous education and positive behavioural change, especially among young people who will shape the future of the state.
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, the LAWMA Academy has become the agency’s flagship platform for environmental education and advocacy across schools, markets, estates, and communities.
He explained that the Summer School introduces participants to waste segregation, recycling, environmental sanitation, climate change, resource conservation, leadership, teamwork, and sustainable living.
The programme also features practical demonstrations, creative recycling projects, educational excursions, and hands-on activities that encourage participants to adopt environmentally friendly habits.
Dr. Gbadegesin said the initiative aims to deepen children’s understanding of responsible waste management and the principles of the circular economy.
He disclosed that the programme will conclude on August 26, 2026, with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate participants’ understanding of the lessons taught during the four-week exercise.
Outstanding participants will be recognised for their performance, while every child will leave the programme equipped with practical skills to serve as an environmental ambassador in their homes, schools, and communities.
The LAWMA boss noted that the initiative encourages participants to embrace waste reduction, recycling, material reuse, and responsible consumption as part of their daily lifestyle.
He stressed that environmental sustainability begins with individual actions and expressed confidence that the programme would inspire children to influence positive behavioural change within their communities.
Dr. Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to promoting environmental education, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement in support of the Lagos State Government’s vision of building a cleaner and healthier city.
Also speaking, the Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Hauwa Momoh-Ajibola, said this year’s Summer School has been carefully structured to combine learning with engaging practical experiences.
She explained that participants will take part in interactive sessions on waste sorting, recycling, upcycling, environmental sanitation, climate change, and conservation.
According to her, the curriculum also includes leadership development, teamwork, creative learning exercises, educational field trips, culinary classes, environmental board games, and an eco-fashion show.
Mrs. Momoh-Ajibola added that practical upcycling workshops will be facilitated by Green Matex, FABE Foundation, and the LAWMA Academy team to expose participants to innovative recycling techniques.
She noted that revision classes and a final assessment will be conducted before the closing ceremony scheduled for August 27, 2026.
The Head of the Academy encouraged participants to remain fully engaged throughout the programme so they can become advocates for environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.
Environmental experts have consistently emphasised that educating children about sustainability helps build lifelong habits that contribute to cleaner communities and healthier ecosystems.
They also note that involving young people in environmental initiatives strengthens public awareness and encourages greater participation in climate-friendly practices.
The LAWMA Academy Summer School forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to deepen environmental consciousness among young Lagosians through practical education and community engagement.
By empowering children with environmental knowledge and practical skills, LAWMA aims to inspire a new generation of eco-conscious leaders who will contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Lagos.
