In the climate-vulnerable Gedo region of Somalia, mounting plastic pollution and a critical shortage of educational infrastructure continue to impede sustainable development. To address these interconnected issues, HIRDA, in partnership with UNICEF, implemented a groundbreaking project in Beled Hawo District: the construction of three classrooms made entirely from recycled plastic bottles across three villages, Malkariyey, Gawido, and Odaa.
This community-led initiative turned an environmental crisis into a development opportunity, using waste as a resource to build resilient infrastructure. The project unfolded across six clearly defined, participatory phases — from community mobilisation through to final finishing works — engaging households, youth groups and informal waste pickers at every stage.
READ MORE > HIRDA Donor Report Plastic Bottle Classrooms updated
This community-led initiative turned an environmental crisis into a development opportunity, using waste as a resource to build resilient infrastructure. The project unfolded across six clearly defined, participatory phases — from community mobilisation through to final finishing works — engaging households, youth groups and informal waste pickers at every stage.
READ MORE > HIRDA Donor Report Plastic Bottle Classrooms updated