The South–North volunteer from Togo, Colette Boateng, has been working for some time on an environmental project. Here is her report.

One of my tasks in the Bremen Mission office is to support Ricardo Santana, founder of the project Precious Plastic Bremen. The project aims to combat environmental pollution, especially pollution caused by plastic waste. As part of his commitment to a better world and to a healthy and liveable environment, Santana works together with the Wilhelm-Focke-Oberschule in Bremen as well as other educational institutions to raise young people’s awareness of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. In doing so, he not only highlights the negative aspects of the problem, but also offers pupils concrete ideas and approaches for solutions.

Every Friday, we work together with the pupils in the art room, supported by a teacher from the school. Recently, we worked with them on a machine that can process recycled plastic and mould it for various purposes (see photo). In addition, there was a research unit on the causes of environmental pollution, particularly the pollution of seas and oceans, as well as on the consequences of excessive plastic consumption without recycling. This unit was carried out using the learning quiz app Kahoot. It was very interesting, and the pupils participated actively.

Ricardo Santana plays a very positive role in working with these young people, who themselves are disciplined and highly motivated. This is remarkable. I really enjoy working on this project, as it allows me to learn a great deal from him about different topics and aspects of environmental protection. In the fight against environmental pollution and for the protection of the environment, everyone must play their part.