Gabriel Ndende, a 23-year-old student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development at Xavier University in India through Jesuits Worldwide Learning, founded Community for Better Life. His passion for sustainable development and climate justice advocacy fuels the organization's mission.
"We are dedicated to promoting economic development and environmental conservation by recycling plastic papers. We repurpose discarded plastic bags, transforming them into valuable and eco-friendly products. This not only cleans up the environment but also fosters economic opportunities for the youth involved," Ndende explained.
One of the notable products created by the organisation is eco-friendly pillow.
Ndende's journey towards founding Community for Better Life began in 2019 when he was a high school student.
It was at Dzaleka Refugee Camp that he joined forces with fellow youth and host communities to find sustainable solutions to plastic pollution.
Dzaleka Refugee Camp, initially constructed in 1994 to accommodate people escaping violence from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, now houses over 50,000 residents, significantly exceeding its initial capacity of 12,000 people.
"The story of Community for Better Life began with my journey in 2019. I can say I have grown together with Community for Better Life," Ndende reflected.
The organization's plastic paper recycling project, "Eco Guardians: Uniting for Climate Justice and Sustainability," took shape this year after they successfully mobilised a group of 59 enthusiastic individuals from Dzaleka Refugee Camp, including both refugees and members of host communities.
These participants have evolved into passionate climate change activists actively participating in advocacy and conservation efforts.
Ndende shared that their recycling initiative received vital support from Japanese friends who served as primary funders through Daiki Takemoto, a Japanese-based branch manager.
The impact of the project is already visible, with a substantial reduction in plastic bags in the targeted communities, including local schools.
Davie Nuka, the Public Relations Officer for Dowa District Hospital, highlighted the positive effects of the project on environmental health: "The youth group is raising awareness about the environmental consequences of improper plastic disposal and teaching individuals how to transform plastics into useful products."
Research indicates that plastic bags, particularly thin plastics, are challenging and expensive to recycle. Many end up in landfills, where they take approximately 300 years to photodegrade.
Over time, they break down into minuscule toxic particles that contaminate soil and waterways, ultimately entering the food chain as animals accidentally ingest them.
Despite their commendable efforts, Community for Better Life faces financial constraints that limit the expansion of their initiatives.
"We remain a dedicated team of young activists committed to bringing about change. However, financial challenges are a significant hurdle. The materials required for our projects are expensive, and transportation costs add to the burden. We aspire to introduce dedicated plastic collection bins throughout the camp, but we lack the necessary funding," Ndende revealed.
In terms of future plans, Ndende expressed the organization's commitment to diversifying its product range for sustainability and income generation.
To achieve this, they are actively seeking support in the form of donations, government assistance, and partnerships with NGOs.
This article was first published by The AfricaBrief
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