A  Community Based Organisation from Malindi in Kilifi County that is in the forefront in promoting environmental awareness has got a major boost after they got 5000 free scholarships from the European Business Institute of Luxembourg (EBU).

The scholarships shall be awarded to Progress WelfareAssociation of Malindi (PWAM) to benefit all volunteers who take part in the  monthly clean ups, organisations and people living with disability to impact their skills through education.

Dr James Mulli the President of EBU said the institution’s mission is to empower people with education including those who cannot afford that’s why they were offering the free scholarships.

Speaking in Malindi during one of the monthly clean ups he said the 5000 scholarships will also help address the problems of the environment by empowering the community with education.

“We are trying to make sure that these 5000 scholarships are distributed here to everybody who is available and organisations who share the interests and mission of Progress Welfare Association of Malindi,” he said.

Malindi Sub County Administrator Juliet Mapenzi thanked EBUfor offering the scholarships saying they would go a long way in supporting education to the local communities.

She said the scholarships did not also leave out the people with disabilities which was a good empowerment move to support all.

“So, through the organisations that are here today I would like to thank EBU for offering the scholarships and urge everyone to come out and take advantage and our children grab these chances to study,” she said.

While thanking EBU for offering the scholarships the Chairperson of PWAM Kate Mwikali said they were keen in ensuring segregation and proper management of wastes in the resort town of Malindi for a cleaner and healthier living.

She said PWAM was also organising the first ever Wetsand Marathon to campaign against plastic pollution from River Sabaki to the Indian Ocean in November 28 this year.

Mwikali said the Inaugural Estuary Marathon dubbed ‘RunningAgainst the tide of Plastic Pollution’ shall start from the sand dunes of Mamburui across the Sabaki estuary along the beach to the Malindi marine park.

PWAM which was started in 2019 has been organising monthly clean ups to sensitize residents against waste and pollution in the Ocean and initiated the Estuary Wet Sand Marathon, a flagship initiative designed to spotlight marine plastic pollution while catalysing long-term systemic change.

The Chairperson of PWAM said the inaugural event will transform the Sabaki Estuary and Malindi beach into a powerful global stage where sport, environmental advocacy and economic opportunity converge, while raising funds for a permanent Circular Economy Hub in Malindi.

Mwikali said the exercise was part of preparing the track where the marathon would be held along the beach.

“It is a very Unique Marathon, because we will be running onwestand, it has not been done anywhere else,” she said.

Mwikali said the wastes from upcountry in Nairobi ends up in the Ocean through the Sabaki estuary and through their efforts even the Environment Cabinet Secretary has begun intervention which is part of their expectations for action to be taken to reduce the wastes.

PWAM is a community-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Malindi. 

Founded by local residents, PWAM serves as a collaborative platform bringing together communities, government institutions, and the private sector to address key environmental, social, and urban development challenges.

The organisation focuses on sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions, public health and sanitation advocacy,climate-resilient urban planning, community livelihoods, public safety, and good governance. 

Through hands-on action such as monthly beach and town clean-ups, policy engagement, and innovative community programs, PWAM promotes environmental stewardship while empowering local communities.

Guided by principles of transparency, inclusivity, and impact, PWAM is also governed by a dedicated board of professionals and community leaders committed to evidence-based advocacy and participatory development.