Volunteer voices
Published: 10.08.2023
Updated: 10.08.2023
Farhan Khan
Senior Researcher
Clean Shores, Great Lakes is incredibly grateful to have engaged with almost 4000 volunteers in it’s first campaign. We asked a few of them for their thoughts on our project and their experiences of joining our clean-ups.
Shadia Ruben, Volunteer
“The implementation of this project has been important because it has created awareness among the Great Lakes community based on the effect of pollution and has the potential to contribute to behaviour change among the community on how to manage waste effectively.”
“I learned how to separate waste by looking at the type and brand (WABA). I learned how to identify waste areas (trash mapping) using the ODK app and how work with my community in cleaning and what is the best way to bring harmony. And I have also been made to know the best way to recycle plastic waste, especially by making something new that is different from the original or existing one to give it a new use."
Shadia Ruben
Yuseph Stephano, Volunteer
“The Clean Shore Great Lakes project is of utmost importance as it addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes region. By involving the community and promoting a circular economy, the project aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and create a sustainable future. Securing adequate funding is crucial for implementing effective strategies, conducting research, raising awareness, and scaling up the project's efforts.”
“I learned how to audit waste and its brands, controlling environmental pollution and recycling of plastic waste, various sources that contribute to the pollution of lakes and rivers, the effects of solid waste on living organisms living in water such as fish. I also saw the importance of the government collaborating with the community, various stakeholders and non-governmental organizations in taking care of the environment.”
Yuseph Stephano
Amina Asiya Nchimbi, Volunteer and Lecturer at University of Dodoma
“This project has acted as a wake-up call for all stakeholders (local communities, government officials and non-governmental organizations) on how this type of pollution can bring serious impact to the great lakes, biota and human health. Hence through this project we anticipate majority of the lake zones communities will change their behavior towards handling of plastic waste. Funding in freshwater ecosystems should be prioritized since little has been done on freshwater bodies and it's through this water ways that a lot of plastic wastes are transported from the land base to great lakes and oceans. Therefore, funding on community awareness program on plastic waste sustainable management should be emphasized.”
“I learned importance of plastic recycling, need for plastic waste brand auditing during plastic waste collection and community resilience when it came to plastic waste collection. A lot of efforts need to be put in community awareness programs regarding plastic waste effects on the environment, human health and aquatic animals. In addition to this recycling of plastic waste into money generating products should be educated and facilitated to the societies found in all districts in Tanzania.”
Amina Asiya Nchimbi