World Environment Day is marked every year on the 5th June to raise awareness about protecting the planet. The theme for 2025, 'Beat Plastic Pollution', focused on the growing problem of plastic waste and the need to find better, more sustainable alternatives.
Across Toybox’s partner projects, children took part in tree planting, clean-up activities, recycling workshops and creative sessions - reflecting on the impact of their actions and how they can help care for the environment.
In India, children in Toybox-supported projects took part in a range of hands-on and creative activities focused on caring for nature organised by our partner CHETNA. They created posters, participated in a drawing competition, and shared messages like 'save water' and 'protect nature' through their artwork.
A short play imagined two Earths - one clean and one polluted - to highlight the consequences of human actions. In another activity, children printed their handprints while taking an oath to keep the earth green, using the story of the Giving Tree to reflect on our bond with nature.
Pictured below: (L) Children in India wrote pledges to help protect the environment on a Resolution Tree. (R) During another activity, bottles were decorated and used as plant holders, with children pledging to care for each of their plants.
Toybox’s partner VIVA in El Salvador held a gathering at one of the markets where children spoke about everyday ways people help or harm the environment. The discussion encouraged them to think critically about their own actions and those of their communities.
Pictured below: (L) Children in El Salvador planted flowers around the market area, leaving a visible reminder of their commitment to care for the Earth. (R) Two children with a VIVA team member beside saplings prepared for planting as part of the World Environment Day activities.
In Nepal, Toybox’s partner SathSath brought children and young people together for a range of hands-on activities. They planted trees, took part in group debates on environmental issues and cleaned up their surroundings. Using the 3R approach — reduce, reuse, recycle — they also made practical first aid boxes out of waste materials.
These simple, meaningful actions helped everyone reflect on how small efforts can make a difference in caring for the planet.
Pictured below: (L) Young people in Nepal took part in a community clean-up in their area near the Learning Centre. (R) Children showcase a first aid box they created using recycled materials, applying the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle as part of their World Environment Day activities.
In Ethiopia, Toybox's partner CHADET celebrated World Environment Day with children and young people to raise awareness about pollution, cutting down on plastic use and protecting the environment. The event also focused on keeping their education centre and surrounding area clean.
Pictured below: (L) Children in Ethiopia learnt about how trees help the environment and planted avocado, guava, and mango seedlings around the education centre compound. (R) Activities to mark World Environment Day also included young people cleaning the yard together with neighbours.
