Engaging students as agents of change in solid waste management : a photovoice case study

Abstract

This qualitative photovoice case study aimed to determine how students could be engaged as agents of change in solid waste management practices. The literature review provided an overview of information about solid waste management and curriculum establishment in the body of literature. This study explored the best solid waste management practices in Ghanaian communities using two schools and 36 participants. This multimethodological study used the designs of photovoice and a case study using the tools of participant-generated photos, interviews, focus group discussions, and documents. The findings identified how the authorities, such as chiefs, school heads, directors of education, and local assemblies, can empower students to become agents of change in Ghanaian communities. It also revealed what teachers, heads of schools, and other educationists can do to assist in promoting and implementing effective solid waste management practices. The study examined the social change that can be effected to improve solid waste management practices in the communities of Ghana. Moreover, the study looked at the formulation of policies on solid waste management to have a clean environment. Given the effects of mismanagement of our solid waste, this study has implications that students be prepared and empowered to serve as agents of change to bring sanitation into the Ghanaian communities. The study also points to the need for teachers, headteachers, directors of education, and the education ministry to be trained on solid waste management and sanitation. It points to the proactive measures that municipal assemblies take to ensure adequate solid waste management in the communities to prevent littering. This study ascertained that while a clean environment is the business of all, students can make a difference as supported by the stakeholders.