Students from the Education and Sustainable Development (ESD) class at the Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA), took a hands-on approach to environmental stewardship by organizing a beach cleanup at Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This initiative, held today, was part of their coursework to engage with sustainability challenges in the real world.
The cleanup effort brought together a passionate group of students committed to protecting the natural beauty of the beach and surrounding environment. Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and determination, they worked tirelessly to collect plastic waste, glass bottles, and other debris that pollute the beach and endanger marine life.
“In just two hours, we collected 3.3 tons of rubbish,” said Dr. Anil Khamis, course leader and faculty member at IED, EA. “This waste will be sorted for recycling, and hazardous materials like syringes will be safely disposed of. Moving forward, we’ll continue this effort by promoting campaigns to prevent waste from reaching the ocean and raise awareness about sustainable practices.”
The project was not just a practical exercise in environmental responsibility; it also provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the broader impact of human activity on ecosystems. Through direct engagement with the local community, the students highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in preserving natural spaces for future generations.
Several students shared their reflections on the experience:
“Cleaning the beach isn’t just about restoring the ecosystem; it’s about understanding my personal impact on the planet,” said Evalin Sango. “Collecting waste like syringes, plastics, and metals taught me the importance of reducing waste and preventing pollution. It also showed me how environmental health is closely tied to human well-being. This experience has inspired me to champion sustainability in both my personal and professional life.”
Faustinah Mwabili echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the interconnectedness between land and marine health. “Every piece of trash we pick up is a step towards a cleaner ocean and a healthier planet. Protecting marine life starts with protecting our shores. Ongoing beach cleanups are crucial—they remind us that even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in the fight for a sustainable planet.”
For Jactone Nyakinye, the experience was an eye-opener. “We couldn’t clean the entire beach, but we still made a noticeable impact. The event reminded me of a powerful truth: humanity needs nature more than nature needs humanity. If we treated environmental issues with the same urgency as a pandemic, like COVID-19, we could achieve remarkable progress.”
Wyclife Ouma found the cleanup particularly insightful. “We had the chance to speak with a beach waste collector, whom we initially assumed had little knowledge of environmental issues. To our surprise, he provided valuable insights into waste management at the beach and the collaborative efforts being made to address it. In just two hours, we collected 3.3 tons of waste, showing that collective action can drive significant environmental change.”
Diego Barry, another student, emphasized the importance of community engagement in solving waste challenges. “The Coco Beach cleanup highlighted the need for practical solutions and community involvement. A combination of education, better infrastructure, and active participation can create lasting change.”
The project was not only a lesson in environmental stewardship but also a testament to the power of education in driving positive change. The ESD class at IED, EA encourages others to participate in similar initiatives and adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. The success of this project underscores the critical role of education in building a more sustainable future for all.
