By: Aminata Sesay
The Society on Environmental Pollution in Sierra Leone (SEPSiL) has conducted a series of awareness and sensitization sessions in schools across Freetown, aiming to educate pupils and teachers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on human health, animals, and the environment.
The outreach initiative reached three schools: Government Secondary Technical School in Madongo Town (Western Freetown), Huntingdon Secondary School, and Children in Crisis Primary School (both in Eastern Freetown).
The sessions aimed to deepen understanding among school communities about how plastic waste contributes to environmental degradation, particularly during the rainy season when blocked drainage systems can lead to severe flooding.
Plastics are commonly used in everyday life for packaging, medical equipment, toys, furniture, and construction materials. However, their widespread usage comes with significant environmental costs. Most plastics are single-use, non-biodegradable, and often end up in waterways, streets, and landfills, contributing to flooding and pollution when not properly managed.
“Plastic pollution is not only a threat to our environment but also to our health and future,” said Abdul S. Conteh, SEPSiL’s Operations Coordinator, who led the outreach team. “These engagements are part of our efforts to empower young people to become agents of environmental protection.”
SEPSiL’s intervention comes at a time when Freetown is experiencing heavy rainfall, increasing the urgency for proper waste management and climate resilience initiatives. The organization believes that early education and community involvement are key to tackling pollution at its roots.
Madam Francess S. Moiforay, Principal of the Government Secondary Technical School and Treasurer of SEPSiL’s Board, described the outreach as “a very timely engagement” and praised the team’s commitment.
She encouraged students and teachers to make use of the educational flyers distributed during the session. “Let me also request that SEPSiL considers establishing a School Nature Club in my school,” she appealed, adding that such a group would enhance environmental awareness and student involvement.
Mr. Conteh thanked the administration of all three schools for welcoming SEPSiL on the final day of the academic term and affirmed the organization’s continued commitment to partnering with schools and communities in building environmental awareness and resilience.
“SEPSiL will keep working with students and school authorities to strengthen their capacity to protect the environment and adapt to the challenges of climate change,” he concluded.