What We Do

Zero Heroes: Cultivating a Culture of Cleanliness in Tarka LGA Schools

In rural communities across Nigeria, improper waste disposal remains a silent threat to public health, particularly for children in schools. Overflowing trash, lack of sanitation infrastructure, and limited awareness of proper waste practices contribute to a growing burden of preventable illnesses and environmental degradation. Recognizing the urgent need for change, Climate Health Equity Africa (CHEA), in collaboration with Team Illuminate, launched the Zero Heroes Project across three secondary schools in Tarka Local Government Area, Benue State.

Project Objectives

• To promote a culture of environmental responsibility among secondary school students.

• To improve sanitation and waste management infrastructure in underserved schools.

• To raise awareness about the health risks of improper waste disposal and inspire student-led action.

Our Approach

CHEA and Team Illuminate worked closely with school authorities to identify gaps in waste management, deliver tools for improvement, and lead interactive sensitization sessions. The project was structured to empower students not just as beneficiaries—but as Zero Heroes leading the movement for cleaner schools and healthier environments.

Impact

• Over 700 students reached across all three schools.

• Schools reported increased student participation in morning sanitation routines and reduced littering on school grounds.

• Teachers noted a shift in student attitudes—students began correcting peers who disposed of waste improperly.

• The project ignited conversations around waste, health, and climate within the larger community, with parents and local leaders commending the initiative.