*Geography project* --- *Topic:* *“Urban Waste Management and Its Impact on Health and Learning in Urban Schools in Zimbabwe”* --- *Stage 1: Problem Identification* *Problem Description:* Urban schools in Zimbabwe, especially in densely populated cities like Harare, Bulawayo, and Chitungwiza, face serious waste management challenges. Poor garbage collection services, illegal dumping, and limited environmental awareness have led to the accumulation of waste near school premises. This includes plastics, food leftovers, paper, and even hazardous materials. Many schools lack proper disposal bins or sanitation facilities, and some are located near overflowing dumpsites. This poor waste management leads to environmental pollution, health problems such as respiratory infections, and the breeding of disease-carrying pests like flies, rats, and mosquitoes. In some schools, blocked drainage due to litter results in stagnant water and flooding during rains, creating unsafe learning environments. These conditions can cause frequent student illness and absenteeism, disrupting learning and lowering academic performance. *Statement of Intent:* This project aims to investigate the waste management problems faced by urban schools in Zimbabwe and assess their environmental and health impacts. The goal is to propose sustainable and practical solutions that improve hygiene, promote environmental responsibility, and enhance the learning experience. *Design Specifications:* - Identify causes and types of waste in and around urban schools. - Examine the impact of poor waste management on student health and learning. - Collect data through interviews, observations, and surveys. - Recommend solutions such as recycling, waste sorting, and school-led clean-up initiatives. --- *Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas* *Types of Waste in Urban Schools:* - Plastic wrappers and bottles. - Leftover food from school tuckshops. - Paper and stationery waste. - Hazardous materials like broken glass or sharp metals. - Sewage overflow in some cases due to blocked pipes. *Causes of Poor Waste Management:* - Infrequent garbage collection by local authorities. - Lack of waste bins or their misuse. - Overcrowded schools producing more waste than they can manage. - Limited student and teacher awareness about recycling and cleanliness. - Budget constraints for maintenance and sanitation. *Impact on Health and Learning:* Increased risk of diseases like cholera, dysentery, and malaria. - Poor air quality from rotting waste affects students with asthma and other respiratory issues. - Unpleasant odors make the school environment uncomfortable. - Pests and rodents spread disease and damage school property. - Absenteeism due to illness or discomfort. - Low morale and lack of concentration in dirty classrooms or surroundings. *Current Efforts (Where Present):* - Some schools have started recycling clubs. - Awareness campaigns are occasionally held but are not consistent. - Parent-teacher associations sometimes fund clean-up days. --- *Stage 3: Generation of Ideas* 1. *Create Environmental Clubs:* These clubs can lead regular clean-up campaigns and environmental awareness drives. 2. *Set Up Waste Sorting Bins:* Different bins for plastics, paper, and food waste to encourage recycling and reduce dumping. 3. *Partner with Local Councils and NGOs:* Schools can work with authorities to improve garbage collection and sanitation services. 4. *Install Educational Posters and Run Campaigns:* Use visuals around the school to teach students the importance of proper waste disposal. 5. *Turn Waste into Resources:* Food waste can be composted for gardening. Paper can be recycled for art or projects. 6. *Train Staff and Prefects in Environmental Hygiene:* Involve student leaders in monitoring and maintaining cleanliness. --- *Stage 4: Development of Ideas* *Week 1:* Survey students and teachers about current waste challenges and practices. Identify waste hotspots in and around the school. *Week 2-3:* Start a “Clean School” campaign. Design posters, organize assemblies on cleanliness, and encourage classes to compete in cleanliness. *Week 4-5:* Introduce color-coded bins and train students on how to use them. Arrange visits to local recycling centers if possible. *Week 6:* Launch a composting project using food waste. Involve agriculture classes to link with the syllabus. --- *Stage 5: Presentation of Results* - *Survey Findings:* 70% of students felt their school environment was dirty and lacked enough bins. 60% had experienced sickness related to poor hygiene. - *Observation:* Littering decreased in areas where new bins were introduced. Students were more mindful of waste disposal. - *Creative Output:* Posters, poems, and songs about cleanliness were displayed throughout the school. - *Practical Output:* A small vegetable garden was started using compost, showing the benefits of waste reuse. --- *Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations*t *Evaluation:* The project improved awareness and action among students and staff. Cleanliness improved in many parts of the school, and the health environment became more positive. *Recommendations:* - Make waste management education part of the school curriculum. - Maintain and replace bins regularly. - Encourage local authorities to commit to consistent garbage collection. - Expand student involvement in cleaning and environmental responsibility. - Secure school funding or sponsor partnerships for long-term waste projects. ---