Vivo Energy Ghana drives sustainability education with McKingtorch Africa

As part of its Green4Clean Schools Renewable Energy Project, Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell licensee, in partnership with McKingtorch Africa, a social enterprise focused on environment and climate change with unique innovations from plastic waste, and the United Way Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, have facilitated an educational tour for pupils of La Enobal Basic School at the McKingtorch Africa Recycling facility.

The initiative aimed at sparking early interest in environmental sustainability and demonstrating how innovative solutions like plastic waste recycling plastic can create useful products while preserving the environment.

The pupils, accompanied by their teachers and representatives from Vivo Energy Ghana, were taken through a guided tour of the facility to observe how plastic waste is transformed into durable, functional products such as school desks, chairs, clocks, sandals, and other essentials. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of plastic waste management and the importance of environmental stewardship.

To support the impactful work being done by McKingtorch Africa, Vivo Energy Ghana purchased school desks crafted from recycled plastic waste. These desks will be donated to public schools in underserved communities as part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader education and sustainability agenda.

Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment with a vision of becoming Africa’s leading and most respected energy business.

“Our visit to McKingtorch Africa reaffirms our belief that the future of sustainability lies in innovation and education. By exposing these young minds to the power of recycling and clean energy, we are not only empowering the next generation of change-makers but also contributing meaningfully to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 – Quality Education and Goal 13 – Climate Action,” he said. “The tour has been insightful, and we need partners like you to help save our planet,” he added.

Makafui Awuku, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mckingtorch Africa, expressed his gratitude to the Managing Director and team from Vivo Energy Ghana: “We are truly grateful to Vivo Energy Ghana for patronising our product and believing in the vision of transforming waste into impact. This partnership not only helps us scale our work but also inspires the next generation to see waste as a resource and innovative tool for change. We are excited about the prospects and look forward to deepening our collaboration to drive greater environmental and social impact across communities,” he said.

Beyond the educational value, the tour also unearthed potential partnership opportunities between Vivo Energy Ghana and McKingtorch Africa to scale up recycling and circular economy initiatives at its Shell service stations and schools within its communities. Both organisations expressed mutual interest in exploring collaborative projects that will enhance environmental education and promote sustainable infrastructure in basic schools and the community at large.

The tour is part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s Green4Clean Schools Project, which integrates renewable energy education, environmental conservation, and innovation for school children within the company’s operational communities. Through this project, the company continues to promote sustainable practices and equip young people with the knowledge and inspiration needed to build a greener future.
Vivo Energy Ghana remains committed to making a lasting positive impact on the environment and in the lives of the people and communities it serves.