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The way the Kilikali advocates took on the program resonated that these communities take their land and environment seriously – Deo

The way the Kilikali advocates took on the program resonated that these communities take their land and environment seriously – Deo

The Pacific Recycling Foundation Founder and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Mr. Amitesh Deo is pleased to share that since the implementation of the I-Recycle Hub bin program in Kilikali Informal Settlement, residents have not only been provided with a waste management solution but have also been empowered to look beyond.

This comes after more than 10 unemployed youths of Kilikali Informal Settlement in Nasinu had either found employment, gone back to school, or thought of starting a business after the PRF organised a week-long comprehensive training program that followed the launch of the I-Recycle Hub bin program in July.

The program which was implemented by the PRF in partnership with Pacific Energy and Nasinu Town Council, has been one of the most successful and impactful.

Mr. Deo also acknowledged Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Fiji Cancer Society, and Consumer Council of Fiji for providing expertise in the comprehensive training of recycling advocates around gender-based violence, human rights, cancer education, health promotion and access, and consumer rights and responsibilities.

He said their continued collaboration has allowed the PRF to empower communities, particularly women and members of the LGBTQI+ communities – which was also a contributing factor to Kilikali Informal Settlements’ success.

The PRF Founder commended the residents and recycling advocates for the impactful changes they were able to bring to the community and as individuals.

“The way the Kilikali advocates took on the program resonated that these communities take their land and environment seriously,” said Mr. Deo.

“Throughout the 2023 project implementations for PRF and WRFL, the Kilikali Informal Settlement advocates took the advocacy to a different level of commitment and showed the passion that we want in our space.”

The PRF Founder said Kilikali’s success was also a recognition that individuals living in informal settlements can be role models.

“We want to grow this space because there are a lot of communities living in informal settlements who get stigmatised and looked down upon. We want to change the narrative and hear their voices too.”

Since the launch of the I Recycle Hub program at Kilikali Settlement, and based on reports from July to September, a total of 452kg of recyclables were taken in for recycling.

“If not for the program, these recyclables would have been improperly disposed of in nearby areas including the creek. The residents of Kilikali Settlement have set the standards and are doing an incredible job – this is the result we envisioned the I-Recycle Hub program to create,” said Mr. Deo.

The program is also part of PRF’s Look Beyond movement approach where recycling and waste management solutions should be for everyone and not based on social status, skin colour, and ethnicity.

Pacific Energy CEO, Mr. Xavier Baronnet shared the same sentiments stating they are proud of the residents and recycling advocates of Kilikali Informal Settlement and their success.

“When we decided to come on board this program with PRF, our aim was not only to focus on waste management but to also develop and empower the communities,” said Mr. Baronnet.

“We were thrilled when we received the great feedback from PRF that this program and comprehensive training managed to raise awareness, allowed residents to know their rights, and helped the community raise their voices to find new jobs.”

Mr. Baronnet added that the partnership with PRF was long-term, and they look forward to developing more projects.

Ms. Neomai Raikanikoda, a recycling advocate from Kilikali Informal Settlement said within three months, the habit of carelessly disposing of their rubbish in the nearby creek minimised.

She said that there has been a huge behaviour change, but more work needed to be done. Ms. Raikanikoda conveyed her appreciation to Pacific Energy and the Pacific Recycling Foundation for implementing the I-Recycle Hub program in Kilikali Settlement.