The Recycling on the Go (ROG) Ambassadors Leadership Forum, held earlier this month at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, focused on promoting sustainable behaviors among the youth in Fiji. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who highlighted the event’s importance, stated that the initiative was driven by a collective goal to foster a culture of sustainability that can endure for generations.
This year’s forum saw participation from five ROG ambassadors from schools including Jai Narayan College, Jasper Williams High School, Nadi Sangam Primary School, and Queen Victoria School. These students shared their experiences related to waste management, the challenges they faced, and proposed solutions. Observers from Holy Cross College in Taveuni also contributed to the discussion.
Radrodro emphasized the role of these young ambassadors as future leaders in environmental stewardship. He remarked, “The next generation of change makers will help lead the fight against waste, pollution, and climate change in our schools and communities.” The Minister also pointed out that waste is a major factor in environmental degradation, urging immediate action to mitigate its effects.
The forum was organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation in collaboration with the Tanoa Hotel Group, Swire Shipping, and Tourism Fiji, illustrating a strong partnership focused on sustainability. Pacific Recycling Foundation founder Amitesh Deo expressed that the ROG initiative goes beyond recycling; it empowers students to advocate for social and environmental justice.
Deo noted that the event served as a critical platform for students to engage in discussions about advocacy and accountability, not only within their schools but across wider communities. Through initiatives like the ROG ambassadors program, students are learning the significance of responsible waste management, thereby inspiring their peers and families to adopt similar practices.
This gathering represents a hopeful advancement for Fiji’s commitment to environmental sustainability, nurturing a generation that is aware of and actively engaged in addressing environmental challenges. The success of such programs could foster a more sustainable future, as young advocates lead by example and influence a shift towards better waste management practices in their communities.
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