• April 30, 2024
• ||
• by Admin

From Refugee to Environmental Champion: Empowering Lives through Waste Collection

Gad Okello, a 37-year-old man from Bundondo, Jinja, is a husband and father of two who has lived a life of perseverance and hard work. For many years, Gad's primary source of income came from selling empty plastic bottles. Despite the meager earnings, he was determined to provide for his family. His life took a significant turn when he discovered WastePays, an innovative platform that changed his perspective on waste management and opened up new opportunities.

Discovering WastePays:
Gad first heard about WastePays during a workshop held at the Walukuba Community Centre. The workshop aimed to educate the community on effective waste management and the benefits of using the WastePays app. Intrigued by the possibilities, Gad attended the session with curiosity and left with a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing Change:
With the knowledge gained from the workshop, Gad began to see beyond just plastic bottles. He learned about different types of plastics and how they could be recycled for profit. Utilizing the WastePays app, he could now efficiently pay waste pickers and manage his transactions with ease. This newfound efficiency inspired him to become a WastePays agent.

Becoming a WastePays Agent:
As a WastePays agent, Gad's role expanded. He not only collected various kinds of plastic but also recruited and inspired over 150 other agents in his community. Gad's dedication to the cause was evident as he empowered 15 waste pickers, providing them with a stable income and a sense of purpose. His collection site at Ambercourt, Jinja, became a hub of activity, successfully accumulating 10 tonnes of plastic waste.

Impact and Vision:
Gad's efforts have significantly contributed to cleaning up his community, reducing plastic pollution, and promoting sustainable practices. He envisions a future where his impact is even greater. By 2030, Gad aims to have collected 200 tonnes of plastic and to have empowered more than 100 waste pickers. His dream is to create a cleaner environment and a sustainable source of income for many more families.

Gad Okello's journey from a modest plastic bottle seller to a leading WastePays agent is a testament to the power of education, technology, and community engagement. His story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating how one person's dedication and hard work can lead to significant environmental and social change. Gad continues to inspire and recruit more agents, proving that with the right tools and determination, sustainable development is achievable.