Windhoek Schools Lead the Way in Recycling Innovation and Sustainability

Windhoek Schools Lead the Way in Recycling Innovation and Sustainability. The City of Windhoek has celebrated a major milestone in its environmental journey with the annual Primary and Pre-Primary Schools Recycling Competition, a key part of the EU-funded “Improving Solid Waste Management” project implemented in partnership with the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.

Held under the inspiring theme “Catch Them Young,” the initiative aims to build a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility among young learners — advancing the city’s long-term goal of achieving Zero Waste to Landfill.

This year’s competition saw 72 schools from across Windhoek participate, with students creatively transforming waste into valuable, practical, and artistic pieces across three exciting categories — Fashion, Decoration, and Engineering & Technology.

The top honour went to Havana Primary School, which swept first place in all three primary categories, earning well-deserved recognition and prizes valued up to N$5,000. The competition showcased not only student creativity but also the growing impact of environmental education in shaping Namibia’s next generation of innovators.

Speaking at the prize handover, Mayor Ndeshihalefa Larandja commended the participants and emphasised the importance of youth leadership in sustainability.“Our children are not only the future; they are powerful agents of change today,” said the Mayor.

The city reaffirmed its ongoing efforts through initiatives such as the Waste Buy-Back Centre Challenge, whose winner will be announced later this month, and the newly launched Buy-Back Centre in Okuryangava, which aims to strengthen recycling networks and create sustainable livelihoods.