In a time where climate change and environmental degradation dominate global headlines, a spark of hope has emerged from Nigeria — in the form of a brilliant and passionate 17-year-old girl named Amara Nwuneli. The Lagos-based teenager has just been named the winner of the prestigious 2025 Earth Prize, taking home $12,500 in prize money for her bold, eco-conscious project: a fully functional playground constructed from recycled tires, plastics, and other waste materials.
This visionary project, located in the heart of Lagos, is more than just a play area. It is a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and youth leadership. The playground was designed not only to provide recreational space for children but also to demonstrate the practical benefits of recycling and environmental stewardship in urban African communities.
“When I walk past heaps of tires or see plastic waste blocking our gutters, I don’t just see garbage. I see opportunity,” Amara said in her award speech. “I wanted to show that we can build joy out of what others throw away.”
💡 A Vision Born from Curiosity and Compassion
Amara’s journey began two years ago during a school project on waste management. Shocked by the amount of non-biodegradable waste littering her community, she began researching how countries like India, Sweden, and Kenya were transforming waste into wealth. Inspired, she pitched the idea of a recycled playground to her teachers and community leaders.
With unwavering determination and support from a few local volunteers, she began collecting used tires from mechanic workshops, gathering discarded plastics from beaches and streets, and sourcing scrap metal from junkyards. Over several months, she coordinated cleanups, designed play structures, and even led educational workshops for local kids to teach them about environmental conservation.
The result? A colorful, safe, and creative play space — swings made from old tires, climbing walls fashioned from repurposed plastic containers, and benches crafted from reclaimed wood. Children from the surrounding neighborhoods now flock to the area daily, laughing and playing on what was once an abandoned, trash-filled lot.
🌍 The Earth Prize: Recognizing Young Changemakers
The Earth Prize, organized annually by the Earth Foundation, celebrates student-led innovations that tackle global environmental issues. Hundreds of applicants from over 90 countries submitted their projects for this year’s competition, but Amara’s stood out for its creativity, impact, and scalability.
“Amara embodies what the Earth Prize is all about — youth taking bold action to protect our planet and inspire communities,” said Daniel Curtis, Director of the Earth Foundation. “Her recycled playground is a brilliant example of circular economy thinking.”
In addition to the prize money, Amara will receive mentoring and support from global sustainability leaders, giving her access to resources that will help her scale her project even further.
🌟 A Movement Begins: Plans for Nationwide Impact
Amara isn’t stopping with just one playground. She’s already laid out plans to build three more eco-parks across Nigeria — in Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano — targeting areas where children lack safe recreational spaces and where improper waste disposal is a growing concern.
She has also launched an initiative called GreenPlay Nigeria, aimed at training students and youth leaders in sustainable design using local waste materials. With the help of NGOs, local businesses, and her growing online community, Amara hopes to spark a national movement that blends environmental education with practical action.
“This is not just about parks,” she says. “It’s about changing the way we see waste. It’s about building communities that care for the earth and for each other.”
🌟 Youth Power, Environmental Justice, and a Brighter Future
Amara’s story is a powerful testament to what young people can achieve when they are given a platform, a voice, and a chance to lead. In a country where environmental policies often face implementation challenges, grassroots efforts like hers offer hope — and tangible results.
From trash to treasure, from dream to reality, Amara’s recycled playground has become a landmark in Lagos, attracting visitors, NGOs, and local authorities who are now taking greater interest in community-driven solutions to Nigeria’s waste crisis.
Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to other Nigerian youths but to young people around the world. With nothing but an idea, a heart for change, and a few discarded tires, she has started a revolution that’s turning pollution into play — and despair into determination.
🎉 Congratulations to Amara Nwuneli!
You’ve reminded us all that age is no barrier when passion meets purpose. May your journey continue to bloom and inspire a greener, cleaner Africa.
