In Ajegunle, a low-income community in Nigeria, severe flooding driven by plastic-clogged drains frequently disrupts lives and education. After witnessing classmates miss exams due to the floods, 14-year-old Naomi launched Trash to Treasure, a youth-led initiative transforming plastic pollution into economic opportunity. Beginning as a school STEM club project, the initiative empowers youth through upcycling workshops, community cleanups, and digital advocacy campaigns.

At these workshops, students learn to transform discarded plastic bottles into salable products like ottomans and jewellery, addressing local pollution while providing a potential source of income. To date, Trash to Treasure has directly empowered over 500 public school students in Ajegunle and built an online community of over 200 young green enthusiasts.

The program has sparked a wave of grassroots climate action, inspiring participants to launch their own environmental projects and earning international recognition, including the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge and the Ashoka Young Changemaker Award.

Naomi Inwe
Founder, Trash to Treasure Initiative
National Geographic Slingshot Awardee