The journey toward a plastic-free future begins with young minds — and that belief came to life on October 7, 2025, when the ZeroPlastic Vavuniya Community conducted its inspiring school awareness program, “Green Minds: Youth for a ZeroPlastic Future,” at Konakumbugollawa School, Katuwela, in the Medawachchiya, Vavuniya district.

Designed for primary school students (Grades 1–5), the program focused on cultivating environmental awareness from an early age. Through storytelling, interactive presentations, and student-led activities, the session made complex environmental topics simple, relatable, and fun. Students learned about the lifecycle of plastic, its effects on health and the environment, and how the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — can transform waste into opportunity.

The young participants enthusiastically engaged in discussions, games, and creative tasks, discovering that even small actions — like using reusable bottles or minimizing single-use plastics — can make a big difference. By the end of the session, they had not only learned new habits but also felt empowered to share what they’d discovered with their families and communities.

The initiative was organized by a passionate team from the ZeroPlastic Vavuniya Community, led by President J.A.M.P. Jayasinha, Director of Finance T. Ishanthan, and Event Coordinator S.H.A.A. Maduranga, with the support of Photographer Rusiru Rathnasiri, Presenters K.A.L. Malki, W.G.K.L. Premarathna, S. Saarujan, and Delegate Coordinator D.D.U. Nethmini.

Special appreciation goes to the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat Office and Environmental Officer Ms. Sivayalini for their valuable support and kind provision of refreshments for students and volunteers.

Green Minds stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins in the classroom — nurturing a generation of environmentally responsible citizens ready to lead the way toward a ZeroPlastic future.