🌊 Water 🌿 Ecosystems

Unleashing Changemakers in WASH and Climate

Empowering youth and local leaders to drive transformative change in Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Climate resilience.

📋 Description

The 'Unleashing Changemakers in WASH and Climate' project aims to empower young people and community leaders in Madagascar to become active agents of change in the areas of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and climate resilience. By combining capacity-building, advocacy training, and practical field initiatives, the project builds a generation of informed and motivated local actors capable of addressing Madagascar's most pressing water and climate challenges.

⛰️ Objectives

  • Train and mentor youth changemakers in WASH principles and climate resilience strategies
  • Support the design and implementation of community-led WASH and climate adaptation initiatives
  • Build advocacy skills to influence local and national policies related to water, sanitation, and climate
  • Foster peer learning and knowledge exchange among changemakers across different regions of Madagascar
  • Develop community resilience plans integrating WASH and climate risk reduction

🎖️ Achievements

  • Successfully trained a first cohort of youth changemakers across multiple regions
  • Facilitated community-led WASH improvement initiatives in targeted areas
  • Established a network of young WASH and climate advocates in Madagascar
  • Conducted awareness campaigns reaching thousands of community members
  • Documented local best practices for climate-resilient WASH management

🌟 Expected Results

  • A sustained network of trained and active youth changemakers across Madagascar
  • Measurable improvements in WASH access and conditions in target communities
  • Stronger local advocacy for climate-resilient water and sanitation policies
  • Scalable and replicable model for youth-led WASH and climate action
  • Increased community awareness and ownership of WASH and climate issues
Unleashing Changemakers Join the Project

📣 Project 1 – Awareness Campaign

After several months of training, here you can find out the impacts brought by the changemakers of our Unleashing Changemakers project.

View UC Project impact map on Solstice →
Activity 1
Plastic Pollution
20
people
reached
Location
Ecole les Petits Câlins, Ambohipo, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Audience
Kids and educators
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Evaluation

I, Razafindratoma Marie Flaurida, declare that I am fully satisfied with the awareness session I conducted on plastic pollution. The objectives set were achieved: the educators and participants gained new knowledge and tools to educate and raise awareness within the community about the dangers of plastic.

The session made it possible to:
• Clearly explain the problem and the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
• Share practical approaches and solutions that can be applied in everyday life.
• Make educators aware of their role in educating and raising awareness among children and the community.

Overall, I am completely satisfied with the results obtained and feel that the awareness session was successful. This gives me motivation and inspiration to continue my efforts in protecting the environment and reducing plastic waste.

Facilitator
RAZAFINDRATOMA Marie Flaurida
ID/01/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 2
Green House Gases
143
people
reached
Location
Lycée Jean Joseph Rabearivelo, Antanimalalaka Analakely, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School students
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Evaluation

The awareness session I conducted was overall satisfactory. The students showed genuine interest in the topic covered. They actively participated in discussions, asked questions, and shared their perspectives, which made the session dynamic and interactive. The main objective, which was to inform and raise awareness among the participants, was achieved.

In terms of impact, this session helped raise the students’ environmental awareness and encouraged the adoption of responsible daily behaviors. Although some points could have been explored in more depth due to time constraints, the overall activity was a success.

Facilitator
MIHASINARIVO Sahaza Mitia
ID/02/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 3
Plastic Pollution
22
people
reached
Location
University of Soavinandriana Itasy, Madagascar
Audience
College students
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Evaluation

The awareness session went well despite a minor logistical issue. The participants showed interest and actively engaged in the discussions. The objectives were achieved, and the students gained a better understanding of the issues surrounding plastic pollution. This activity was satisfactory and encourages the adoption of eco-friendly behaviors.

Facilitator
RANOMENJANAHARISOA Mir'Aina Tsillia
ID/03/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 4
Water Scarcity
58
people
reached
Location
École privée FANILO Mahaimandry, Ambohijanaka, Antananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Primary School Students
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Evaluation

The awareness activity was satisfactory. The objectives set were achieved despite certain material and time constraints. The participants showed interest and remained actively engaged throughout the session. However, improvements can be made, particularly in terms of organization, facilitation, and time management, in order to optimize the effectiveness of future interventions.

Facilitator
RAHERIVOLOLONIAINA Clotilde
ID/05/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 5
Water Scarcity
53
people
reached
Location
EPP ANTANETY II (Vontovorona), Antanety Ii, Alakamisy Fenoarivo, Antananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Primary school Students
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Evaluation

The awareness activity went well. The participants were attentive and actively engaged in the discussions. The messages were well understood, and the objectives were achieved. Overall, the activity was successful and positive.

Facilitator
HANITRINIAINA Suzanne Rosina
ID/06/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 6
Plastic Pollution
32
people
reached
Location
IFR Ankadifotsy, Ankaditapaka Avaratra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

In my opinion, the awareness activity was successful, as the audience was mostly attentive and participative, the objectives were achieved, and the message delivered helped strengthen their awareness.

Facilitator
RAVALINIAINA Christian Michaël
ID/12/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 7
Plastic Pollution
20
people
reached
Location
Madera Namontana, Madera Namontana, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Secondary & High School Student
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Evaluation

The awareness activity was overall a success in light of the objectives set. The participation of the beneficiaries was active and encouraging. The discussions, questions, and contributions demonstrated a good understanding of the message conveyed.

Facilitator
Fiandrianana Fernande Jaonary
ID/23/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 8
Plastic Pollution
11
people
reached
Location
École Privée " Les élites plus", Analamahitsy, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Primary School Student
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Evaluation

To put it briefly, I think the awareness session was somewhat successful, even if everything was not perfect. The children showed a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm, especially during the practical workshop. Being able to create things from recycled bottles really helped convey the message we wanted to deliver.

There were a few slightly chaotic moments, which is normal with children of that age. That said, it did not prevent the main message from being communicated. With some adaptation and a lot of patience, I would say the activity went fairly well.

Facilitator
ANDRIAMASINJARA Tokiniaina Johanna
ID/29/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 9
Plastic Pollution
49
people
reached
Location
Lycée Privé Fortunat, Tsararay Ambavahaditokana, ntananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

The evaluation of this awareness activity is based on observing student participation, the quality of exchanges, and the level of understanding demonstrated through the questions asked. Overall, the set objectives were achieved. The students showed a strong interest in the topics addressed, particularly regarding the impacts of plastic pollution and the connection with climate change. Their active participation during discussions demonstrated a good grasp of the key messages.

The participatory approach adopted proved effective in capturing the attention of the target audience. Concrete examples adapted to the local context helped in understanding sometimes complex concepts related to greenhouse gases and global warming. However, a longer duration would have allowed for deeper exploration of certain aspects and the organization of practical activities to further reinforce learning.

Overall, the activity can be considered satisfactory and relevant with respect to the objectives of the Unleashing Changemakers Project. It represents an important step in strengthening the environmental awareness of young people.

Facilitator
RABEZANAHARY Hery Mampionona
ID/34/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 10
Water Scarcity and Environmental protection
60
people
reached
Location
École privé Fanilo, Mahaimandry, Ambohijanaka, Antananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Primary School Students
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Evaluation

The awareness activity generated active participation from the students. They demonstrated a good understanding of the connection between environmental protection and water availability. They were able to identify the causes of water scarcity and propose solutions suited to their daily lives.

Facilitator
LOVANIRINA Chantal Ninah Claudine
ID/38/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 11
Individual actions against climate change
63
people
reached
Location
Millennium Private High School Mahazoarivo, Ambohidraserika, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

The first evaluation to be made on this initial awareness focuses on the warm welcome from the high school principal. The first meeting with the principal took place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1 PM and lasted no less than 30 minutes. The introduction letter was approved and signed very quickly, and then we proceeded to visit the high school's large projection room. The logistics were complete and adequate for the prepared visual aids. Secondly, the awareness session took place on Friday, June 12 at 10:00 AM, focusing on the theme "individual actions against climate change," and was addressed to middle school students in the 6th and 5th grades. The session was overall a success in that the message of the presentation was conveyed as intended and was repeatedly evaluated through interactive questions in the room. The very active participation of the audience also enlivened the exchange and facilitated the transmission of the important key points of the presentation. It should be noted that the audience initially planned for the first exchange with the principal was the high school students from the second, first, and final year classes. But due to scheduling conflicts, they were not available, so the high school proposed to address the session to middle school students in the 6th and 5th grades. This change, however, did not cause any major harm to the session. Some improvisations (animations, games, storytelling, etc.) had to be integrated into the session, which resulted in a slight 5-minute overrun of the scheduled session time (one hour), but did not cause any major issues for the participants, organizers, and facilitators. In short, the session as a whole can be considered a success compared to what was planned.

Facilitator
RANDRIANARIJAONA Andritahiana Harry Lucas
ID/07/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 12
Plastic Pollution
6
people
reached
Location
CEIM ANKADIDRAMAMY MALAGASY,Ambohidahy, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Church Teenagers
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Evaluation

This awareness session conducted with the teenagers of the CEIM Ankadindramamy church was an enriching experience in many ways. Despite a number of participants below expectations and some organizational constraints, the essential was accomplished: young people became aware of the reality of plastic pollution and understood that they have a role to play in solving this problem.
What stands out most from this activity is that awareness works. Seeing teenagers react with surprise to information they had never really taken seriously before, and then seeing them propose concrete actions to change things, is exactly the result we were looking for. Six participants may be few, but six aware young people can talk to ten others, who will talk to ten more.
The fight against plastic pollution in Madagascar will not be won in a day, nor with a single session. But every action counts, and it is by multiplying this type of initiative among the youth that mindsets will gradually evolve. It is therefore important to continue in this direction, by improving the organization and reaching an ever-wider audience.

Facilitator
RAHERIMALALA Dina Sarobidy
ID/22/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 13
Plastic Pollution
95
people
reached
Location
CEG Ambohimanarina, Ambohimitsinjo, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Secondary Students
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Evaluation

The awareness activity on plastic pollution carried out within the college was overall positive in terms of student participation and understanding, as they showed engagement, receptiveness, and the ability to grasp the environmental issues addressed; however, its effectiveness remains limited by a low level of involvement from the supervising adults, characterized notably by a lack of pedagogical follow-up and non-utilization of existing systems such as sorting bins, thus revealing a gap between the knowledge transmitted and its practical application within the school framework; this situation highlights the importance of the role of teachers and administration in consolidating ecological behaviors, and underscores the need to adopt a more integrated approach involving the entire educational community to ensure the sustainability and real impact of awareness actions.

Facilitator
ANDRIAMIHAJA Mendrika Mirado
ID/15/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 14
Plastic Pollution
38
people
reached
Location
EPP Antananambony, Anosizato Andrefana, Antananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Primary School Students
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Evaluation

The awareness campaign took place under good conditions. The 8th-grade students actively participated in the discussions, answered questions with enthusiasm, and showed a genuine interest in the topic of plastic pollution. At the end of the session, the students were able to list the causes and consequences of plastic pollution as well as the actions to take to reduce plastic use. The objectives of the awareness campaign were therefore achieved, and the students understood the essential messages well.

Facilitator
RAHARIVOLA Sandra Marie Violette
ID/13/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 15
Fight Against Waste Dispersion
96
people
reached
Location
High School of Fenoarivo, Firavahana, Fenoarivo, Antananarivo Atsimondrano, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

After the awareness session, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She also offered me an opportunity to learn how to manage a large class, which was a real challenge for me, and to improve my public speaking skills. Despite some difficulties encountered, particularly the limited time for the practical phase and the lack of space in the classroom. She helped me gain confidence, develop my adaptability, and communicate better with the students. I was delighted to be able to share useful knowledge about composting and its importance for environmental protection and the development of sustainable agriculture. This experience will remain for me an important milestone in my learning and personal development.

Facilitator
ZAFIMAMONJY Balisy jeannie
ID/14/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 16
Water Management
85
people
reached
Location
Jean Joseph Rabearivelo High School, Antanimalalaka Analakely, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

This activity helped raise awareness among the students and strengthen their consciousness. Continuous actions are necessary to ensure lasting changes. As part of our commitment to environmental protection, we conducted an awareness activity on urban water management for high school students. This initiative had the main objective of informing the students, but also of encouraging them to reflect on their daily habits. Through this action, we aimed to encourage young people to adopt more responsible behaviors regarding water usage.
During the session, the students were invited to participate actively. They asked questions, shared their personal experiences, and gave their opinions on the subject. This interaction made the exchange more dynamic and allowed for a better understanding of the messages conveyed. We could see that the students were interested and involved, which facilitated the appropriation of the topics discussed.
In daily life, water is a resource that we constantly use, whether for drinking, washing, or cooking. However, we don't always realize how precious it is. In a city like Antananarivo, some areas face difficulties accessing water, while in other cases, significant waste is observed. This situation shows that it is necessary to better manage this resource. For example, simple actions like letting the tap run unnecessarily or using more water than needed may seem inconsequential, but they have a real long-term impact. That is why this awareness campaign helped to remind everyone of the importance of these small gestures. In conclusion, this activity helped raise the environmental awareness of the students, and it is essential to continue this type of actions to encourage more responsible behaviors among the youth.

Facilitator
ANDRIANANTENAINA Ravaka Fitiavana Anthonia
ID/24/MWN/2026/P3/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 17
Plastic Pollution
42
people
reached
Location
Centre d'accueil Akany Avoko Faravohitra, Faravohitra Ambony, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Teenagers
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Evaluation

Overall, the activity went very well and achieved its main objective, which was to raise participants’ awareness about plastic pollution. The young girls were attentive, curious, and highly engaged. They asked questions, shared their ideas, and showed that they understood the importance of protecting the environment.
The discussions, concrete examples, and interactive activities made the awareness session lively and easy to understand. There was a clear sense of interest from the participants, and several expressed their willingness to change certain habits in their daily lives.
Of course, a few challenges were encountered, notably the lack of time to explore some points in depth and the limited availability of visual materials for everyone. Despite this, the activity had a positive impact and successfully conveyed important messages.
Overall, this awareness session was a rewarding, useful, and encouraging experience for both the participants and the facilitator.

Facilitator
MAROASA Judicaël
ID/39/MWN/2025/P2/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 18
Digital Pollution
7
people
reached
Location
YMCA Ankerana, Ankadindramamy, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Youth of the Y- Pixel'Art Club
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Evaluation

The fact of starting something is always the most difficult step to take.
Without knowing the goal, perhaps raising awareness would make no sense. That is why it is essential to truly define the core of the problem in order to have an idea of the action to take and how to persuade people to change their behavior.
Talking about a subject that you have just discovered is a real challenge. You simply need to have the motivation to delve deeply into the subject and provide enough information to encourage people to take action on the issues.
The impact does not necessarily happen immediately, but one must also be patient and motivated until the results can be seen. An action without follow-up remains futile.

Facilitator
RAHARIMAMONJY Andoniaina
ID/23/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 19
Social psychology and ecology
11
people
reached
Location
AUF Faravohitra Ambony, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Association of Students in Social and Intercultural Psychology, AEPSI, University of Antananarivo
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Evaluation

The second wave was much more fruitful because concrete decisions were made. The awareness campaign served both as a meeting for the members of the Well-being Club and as an outreach for the PSI students, which led the participants to adopt actions to be taken in the coming months for the improvement of the program.
The activities were lacking, which made the students somewhat reticent during the Q&A sessions, but they seemed to be convinced of the importance of the topic discussed. Again, the ideas mainly came from the students.

Facilitator
ELISON Andraina
09/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 20
Reduction and Recovery of Waste
9
people
reached
Location
AUF Faravohitra Ambony, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Association of Students in Social and Intercultural Psychology, AEPSI, University of Antananarivo
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Evaluation

Despite the small number of participants, the discussions were fruitful. The students were able to express themselves freely and acquire new knowledge on the topic of environmental psychology. Better communication and additional activities would be beneficial for increased participation.

Facilitator
ELISON Andraina
09/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 21
Plastic Pollution
33
people
reached
Location
Shelter, Akany Avoko Faravohitra Ambony, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
Kids and Teenagers
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Evaluation

This awareness-raising activity on plastic pollution at Akany Avoko Faravohitra was a rich learning experience, both professionally and personally.
Despite the stress of the first experience, the difficulties in approaching the center, and the logistical constraints related to transporting the equipment, the set objectives were achieved.
This adventure allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, develop my self-confidence, and acquire valuable skills in communication and organization. The smiling faces and the promises of commitment from the young participants will remain the most beautiful reward for me.
I have a memorable memory of that day, from the journey with the plastic bottles from my home to Akany Avoko Faravohitra, passing by the UJA center to pick up the projector and the roll-up. All these efforts were more than compensated by the warm welcome and enthusiasm of the participants.
This type of initiative is essential for building a Malagasy society that is more respectful of its environment. I remain convinced that these young "changemakers" will play a key role in the fight against plastic pollution in Madagascar, and I am proud to have contributed, in my own way, to this noble cause.

Facilitator
FARAMALALA Lucia
ID/11/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 22
Plastic Pollution and Waste Management
48
people
reached
Location
Lycée Analamahitsy, Analamahitsy Cite, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

The awareness activity achieved its objectives. The participants showed great interest in the topic of plastic pollution and waste management. The exchanges, group work, and discussions encouraged active participation from the students. At the end of the session, the participants had a better understanding of the causes and consequences of pollution as well as the solutions to adopt, particularly waste sorting, the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and the reduction of single-use plastic usage. Despite the absence of a speaker, the awareness session went smoothly and had a positive impact on the participants.

This activity was very enriching and helped to raise students' awareness of environmental protection. The participants were motivated to adopt responsible behaviors and to share the knowledge they acquired with those around them. For the next sessions, it would be desirable to provide more functional audiovisual equipment, allocate more time for discussions, and organize practical activities such as waste sorting or a cleanup day to further enhance the impact of the awareness campaign.

Facilitator
RANDRIANJAFY Hery Haja
ID/34/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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Activity 23
Plastic Pollution
16
people
reached
Location
Lycée Privé FJKM Fehizoro Andraisoro, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Antananarivo Renivohitra, Analamanga, Madagascar
Audience
High School Students
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Evaluation

The environmental awareness campaign conducted at Lycée FJKM Fehizoro Andraisoro with 16 final-year students was relevant because it addressed a problem directly observable in their environment: human behaviors, the accumulation of waste, and the worsening of floods. The activity raised awareness among the students about the consequences of waste disposal, particularly plastics, in the streets and drainage channels, and promoted more responsible behaviors toward the environment. However, the actual effectiveness of the awareness campaign will depend on the students' ability to transform the knowledge gained into sustainable behaviors. Subsequent monitoring would therefore be necessary to measure changes in practices and the impact of awareness over time.

The awareness-raising activity was an enriching experience, as it allowed direct interaction with the students on an environmental issue they can observe in their daily lives. The exchanges fostered a better awareness of the role of human behaviors in pollution and the worsening of floods. This activity also shows that raising awareness among young people is an important means to promote responsible behaviors and encourage their commitment to environmental protection.

Facilitator
RAMANANANTOANDRO Fihobimbahoaka Mendritsafidy
ID/32/MWN/2026/P4/UC/B
Certified Changemaker
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