Taking aim at Auckland’s 2040 Zero Waste target are two extraordinary women from English Language Partners (ELP).

Abeer Khankan and Jan Scott, from ELP’s North Shore centre, know that if Auckland is to achieve its goal of Zero Waste by 2040, we need action.

“We need to start making a change,” says Abeer. “If we don’t start now, it’s going to be too late.”

Abeer and Jan appreciate achieving the 2040 target will be no mean feat. “We need to reduce the amount of waste Aucklanders send to landfill,” says Jan. “Everyone is essential for success.”

The ‘dynamic duo’ is engaging migrant and refugee-background Kiwis in their Zero Waste fight through a project they developed with support from the Upper Harbour Local Board and the Community WasteWise team.

To give their adult ESOL learners a full overview of waste issues, Abeer and Jan’s interactive, total immersion approach brings together workshops, presentations, a rubbish pick up activity and a recycling centre visit.

“Through the games we played, I can understand how my life can change to be more environmentally friendly,” says Mindy, an ELP learner.

“Knowing about Auckland’s waste issues is the first step to get started with recycling,” says Abeer. “Of course, feeling confident with English is important, so people can join community activities and feel they belong here.”

Feedback from learners has been enthusiastic, with people keen to talk about the parts of the project they’ve enjoyed most.

"I enjoyed visiting Waitākere Refuse and Recycling Centre most,” says Mindy “Because I can understand the current state of waste and feel more deeply.”

“I don’t like bugs and worms,” says Young, who also visited the recycling centre. “But I might have a worm farm or Bokashi to reduce food scraps and to save the planet.”  

“The more you learn about something, the more responsibility you take,” says Elmore.

Abeer received a well-deserved nomination for her work and made the finals in the Community Connections category at the 2021 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards.

Abeer and Jan have also created an outstanding teaching resource, another of the project’s great results.

‘Get your Rubbish Sorted Supplementary Resource Book’ helps learners understand what’s happening locally and teaches the related English. The Zero Waste resource is designed specifically for ESOL teachers and learners and is stacked with activities.

 Next up for Abeer and Jan is to share their resource with ELP’s other Auckland centres and ESOL providers across Auckland.

“Seeing our learners happy and invested in this project has been inspiring,” says Jan. “The resource is so easy for teachers to use, and we hope it’s as successful with ESOL learners all over Auckland.’  

“It’s amazing what’s come out of this project,” says Abeer. “It’s totally overwhelming!

“Personally, I’ve changed my behaviour,” she says. “I don’t throw away as much every week, so we’ve hugely reduced our household rubbish.”

“If everyone plays a role, no matter how small, we will make a difference.”

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