βToday’s students will shape tomorrow’s Fiji, and the habits they build today will determine the future of our environment.β
This was the message from the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, as she launched the first School Waste Management Initiative in the Western Division at Natabua High School, encouraging students to become champions of responsible waste management and environmental protection.
Addressing students, Hon. Tabuya said the initiative is about more than keeping schools clean; it is about building lifelong habits that will help create a cleaner and more sustainable Fiji.
“Real change starts with small, consistent actions. By separating waste, reducing plastic use and supporting recycling efforts, every one of you contributes to a cleaner, healthier Fiji.”
Natabua High School is the first school in the Western Division to join the initiative, following Labasa College from the Northern Division, Suva Grammar School and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School from the Central Division, which are already leading similar programmes across Fiji.
As part of the launch, the Minister handed over compost bins, compost bucket bins, gardening spades and forks to support the school’s composting and recycling programme.
This initiative is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Local Government and the Lautoka City Council with the aims to strengthen waste separation, composting and recycling practices in schools while empowering students to become environmental leaders in their homes and communities.
The Ministry acknowledges the support of all partners for their collaboration in delivering this initiative and helping build environmentally responsible communities, one school at a time.