• April 30, 2024
• ||
• by Admin

From Refugee to Environmental Champion: Empowering Lives through Waste Collection

In today's world, where environmental issues are becoming increasingly critical, it is imperative to find innovative solutions that tackle both environmental degradation and socioeconomic challenges. This impact story revolves around a 24 years old Baraka Innocent, a refugee living in Kyangwali Refugee settlement in Bunyoro, who found hope and financial stability through our app called WateInsure, which connects waste collectors with Ecoplastile specializing in creating roofing tiles from plastic waste. Let's explore Baraka’s journey as he transformed his life and became an environmental champion.

The Beginning:
Baraka’s story began in a war-torn country DRC, where he witnessed the devastating consequences of conflict and displacement firsthand. In 2017, after fleeing his homeland and finding refuge in Kyangwali refugee camp, he faced numerous challenges in adapting to a new life since he wasn’t earning himself a living. He later begun working with Care International Uganda as the community based facilitator for Kyangwali refugee camp whereby he would organize individuals to go and collect plastic waste which would be molded into different items for daily use like cup covers, pegs etc.

Discovering WateInsure:
Amidst all that, Baraka stumbled upon an opportunity that would change his life forever – the WateInsure app. Developed by Ecoplastile specializing in sustainable roofing tiles made from plastic waste, the app aimed to provide income opportunities for marginalized individuals by incentivizing waste collection efforts. Ecoplastile together with Care International Uganda introduced an opportunity to address two critical issues simultaneously-providing a source of income to refugees and addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste in Kyangwali.

Unlocking the Potential:
Curious about the app's potential, Baraka was given a new smartphone and eagerly downloaded WateInsure app and embarked on a mission to clean up his surroundings while earning a living. He became an active part of his community's waste management efforts. Within weeks, Baraka noticed a positive impact not only on his personal income but also on the environment. The app rewarded him for each kilogram of plastic waste he collected, building up his earnings while simultaneously reducing pollution and waste in his community.

Community Engagement and Growth:
Baraka has empowered more refugees and community members to join the cause. Together, they formed a close-knit network of waste collectors, collaborating to maximize their impact on both the environment and their livelihoods. Baraka actively engaged with local people, raising awareness about the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management among the youth. With each passing day, Baraka’s confidence has grown, and he has begun to envision a brighter future. The additional income he earns through WateInsure allows him to provide better living healthcare for himself.

Barack’s big vision:
Baraka visions to have collected 180000tons of plastic waste by the end of 2030, gained and given financial independence to other fellow refugees by creating job opportunities for them through recruiting them as waste collection agents thus earning themselves income but also enhancing the overall, wellbeing of the refugee community.

By harnessing technology and combining it with environmental consciousness, marginalized individuals like Baraka cannot only uplift their lives but also create a significant positive impact on their communities and the planet. Through the WateInsure app, waste is transformed into wealth, and individuals like Baraka become environmental champions, empowered to create a better future for themselves and generations to come.