From Educational Action to the Development of a School Curriculum: A Strategy for Household Solid Waste Management in the Lukunga Health District

Household solid waste management is a significant challenge in the Lukunga health zone of Kinshasa. This issue is exacerbated by rapid urban growth and population increase. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 250 students and 12 teachers, divided into experimental (informed) and control (uninformed) groups. The educational intervention increased knowledge about waste types (with an increase from 40% to 60% for household waste). It also promoted sustainable actions such as sorting and composting, with 60% of non-recycled waste being reused or treated after the intervention, compared to 15% in the uninformed group. Statistical analyses confirmed the effectiveness of this approach. These results highlight the importance of integrating waste management education into school curricula to raise youth awareness of environmental issues. The study proposes a structured curriculum tailored to each educational level, including practical activities such as composting and community projects. This method encourages participation to ensure effective implementation by involving both teachers and students. In conclusion, environmental education appears to be essential for promoting sustainable waste management and fostering a generation that is aware of and concerned about environmental protection.