DR Congo: International Environment Day in Ngandu: The Community Mobilises for a Greener Future
To mark International Environment Day, World Vision DRC, through its Kinshasa Cluster, organised a large-scale community awareness event in Ngandu neighbourhood under the theme: “Acting for the Climate, Protecting Children's Future.”
The initiative brought together local authorities, government technical services, teachers, pupils, community leaders, and residents around a shared commitment: promoting practical actions to protect the environment and improve the well-being of future generations.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
In her welcoming remarks, Nicole Masanze, Kinshasa Cluster Manager at World Vision DRC, praised the strong participation of the community, particularly children and young people, who are considered key agents of change.
“Our environment reflects our daily behaviours. Together, alongside our children, we have the power to transform it and secure a better future. Every action matters, and every effort contributes to building a healthier world for future generations.”
She also highlighted the close link between environmental protection and child well-being, noting that the consequences of environmental degradation disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, especially children.
Children at the Heart of Climate Solutions
Speaking at the event, Romanie Litanga, Livelihood Specialist at World Vision DRC, highlighted the increasingly visible impacts of climate change on local communities.
“Flooding, heatwaves, and environmental degradation are no longer distant threats. They are already affecting our daily lives. Children must be placed at the centre of climate solutions by adopting responsible and environmentally friendly behaviours from an early age.”
Through interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to reduce their environmental footprint, protect green spaces and adopt more sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
Simple Actions for a Healthier Environment
The awareness campaign was further strengthened through a practical session led by Jimmy Safari, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist at World Vision DRC. Focusing on waste management and environmental sanitation, the session actively engaged pupils and community members.
“Reducing, sorting and properly managing waste starts with simple actions that everyone can practise at home, at school and within their communities. Children can become true champions of cleanliness and inspire adults to change their habits.”
The demonstrations enabled pupils to better understand the importance of waste segregation and maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.
Local Authorities Committed to Environmental Protection
Technical services from the municipality also contributed their expertise to the event. Representing the local environmental department, Séraphin, Head of the Environment Service, reminded participants of their shared responsibility towards nature.
“Human beings are responsible for damaging the environment, but they are also responsible for protecting it. We must learn to live in harmony with nature and pass this responsibility on to future generations.”
His intervention highlighted the importance of close collaboration between authorities, organisations, and communities in addressing today's environmental challenges.
Planting Today for a Better Tomorrow
One of the highlights of the celebration was a symbolic tree-planting activity involving pupils, community members, and local authorities. The initiative reflected the community’s commitment to combating deforestation, improving the local environment, and strengthening climate resilience.
Each tree planted symbolises hope, responsibility, and an investment in the future.
Ten Schools Equipped to Improve Sanitation
As part of the initiative, ten plastic waste bins were distributed to ten schools within the Ngandu community to promote good sanitation practices in schools and encourage responsible waste management among pupils.
For Nicole Masanze, this action forms part of a broader vision for sustainable community transformation.
“Investing in schools means investing in lasting change. When children learn to protect their environment from an early age, they become drivers of development within their communities.”
An Inspired and Engaged Community
Community members expressed their appreciation for the event and their commitment to applying the knowledge and lessons gained.
Dorcas, a resident of Ngandu, shared:
“This day encourages us to change our behaviours and involve our children more actively in the fight against poor sanitation. Together, we can make our neighbourhood cleaner and more pleasant to live in.”
Children's Voices for the Future of the Planet
Children also left a lasting impression through their inspiring messages about environmental stewardship.
Twelve-year-old Lumene delivered a heartfelt appeal:
“The Earth is our home, a garden filled with seasons. We must protect it by keeping our school and family environments clean. Every child can contribute to making our planet a better place.”
A Collective Commitment to Future Generations
Through this celebration, the Ngandu community demonstrated that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility. By combining awareness-raising, practical action, and active child participation, the event strengthened collective understanding and encouraged behaviours that support a cleaner and healthier environment.
More than a commemoration, the initiative served as a powerful call to action: to act today in order to preserve tomorrow. Because protecting the environment also means protecting children and ensuring they enjoy a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.