At QS ImpACT, a UNEP-accredited global charity, we connect universities, organisations, and communities worldwide to foster young talent and lead impactful change for a regenerative future. Last year, our initiatives impacted over 112,000 people across 87 countries, with a thriving community of over 2,100 members and 50 Youth Ambassadors. Every year, QS ImpACT organises the Global Day of Action, an annual challenge that unites youth from around the world under a singular theme, fostering collective efforts to create substantial impact on global issues.
One of our remarkable QS ImpACT Awards Alumni is Joy Ifeanyi from Nigeria, who won the Eco-Champion of the Year Award. Joy’s project, “Waste to Desks,” addresses the critical issue of insufficient school desks in underserved schools through an innovative waste recycling model. In many communities, students face the harsh reality of learning on the floor, which not only affects their focus and engagement but also hinders their academic success and self-esteem. Joy’s initiative is changing this.
In the Agbado community where Joy teaches, a massive dump site pollutes the environment, blocking drainage and affecting access to the school. “Waste to Desks” tackles this environmental challenge while providing quality education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13 by taking climate action. Students actively participate by collecting recyclables from the community, exchanging them for funds used to construct school desks. This initiative goes beyond physical comfort; it instils practical skills, fosters environmental responsibility, and improves academic outcomes.
So far, the project has provided school desks for over 100 students, lifting them from the floor to desks and addressing local environmental issues. The impact extends beyond just desks; it transforms communities by enhancing infrastructure, teaching practical skills, and promoting sustainable practices. “Waste to Desks” is more than a solution—it’s a catalyst for holistic community development, empowering students with the tools and knowledge they need to build a sustainable future.
The QS ImpACT Awards are our organisation’s flagship event, celebrating global regeneration and honouring exceptional youth leaders. In 2023, youth around the world made a significant impact on their communities, aligning with the SDGs. Among 45 finalists from 18 countries, eight winners were awarded and celebrated for their transformative contributions.Will you be a QS ImpACT Award winner in 2024? Upload your impact story by 4 November 2024 to be eligible and gain global recognition for your efforts! 🏆🌍
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