The Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the Civil Society Organizations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative in Nigeria (CSCHEI). This collaboration, which has been in the works since our initial meeting on October 19th, 2023, marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to advocate for the welfare and empowerment of waste pickers across Nigeria.
Areas of Collaboration
Following the approval granted by the Board, Management, and Institutional Members of CSCHEI, our partnership will focus on several key areas crucial to the advancement and well-being of our members:
- Advocacy: Together with CSCHEI, WAPAN will amplify its advocacy efforts to ensure that the voices of waste pickers are heard at local, state, and national levels. This includes lobbying for policies that protect their rights, improve working conditions, and integrate waste pickers into the formal economy.
- Mental Health Training: Recognizing the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by waste pickers, this partnership will provide targeted mental health training and support. By addressing issues such as stress, trauma, and social stigma, we aim to enhance the overall well-being and resilience of our members.
- Mediation: Conflicts can arise in any industry, and the informal sector is no exception. Through this collaboration, WAPAN will benefit from CSCHEI’s expertise in mediation, helping to resolve disputes within the community and between waste pickers and other stakeholders. This will foster a more harmonious and productive working environment.
- Fundraising: Financial resources are essential to sustain and expand our initiatives. CSCHEI’s support in fundraising will be instrumental in securing the necessary funds to drive our programs forward, ensuring that we can continue to provide vital services to our members and expand our impact nationwide.
Next Steps: Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
To formalize this partnership, WAPAN and CSCHEI will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document will outline the specific terms and conditions of our collaboration, ensuring that both organizations are aligned in our goals and committed to achieving them. The signing of the MoU will represent a significant step forward in our shared mission to empower waste pickers and advance community development across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to embark on this collaborative journey, we are filled with optimism about the positive impact this partnership will have on the waste picker community. WAPAN remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of waste pickers through advocacy, education, and support services. This partnership with CSCHEI represents a powerful alliance that will enable us to achieve these goals more effectively.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the leadership of CSCHEI, particularly Director General Kunle Yusuff, MON, for his unwavering support and commitment to this partnership. We look forward to a fruitful and enduring collaboration that will bring lasting benefits to our members and the communities we serve.
Conclusion
This partnership between WAPAN and CSCHEI is not just a collaboration; it is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations with shared values come together. By working hand in hand, we are confident that we can make a significant difference in the lives of waste pickers, ensuring they receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.
Alhaji Suleiman Adama
General Secretary, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria
December 4th, 2023