Environmental change begins with awareness—and the RACycle initiative, led by Community Service Director Karine Ichtay and organized by the Rotaract Club of Aley, is doing just that. In partnership with Go Green, AIM Center,MBYC, SYC, Interact Aley, and additional community allies, this impactful project reached 5,782 individuals, planting the seeds of sustainability and empowering people with the knowledge and tools to care for the planet.
RACycle is not a one-time initiative—it’s a signature project that has grown steadily over the past three years. At its core, it tackles the growing issues of pollution, waste mismanagement, and environmental degradation by educatingt he community and providing practical, accessible recycling infrastructure.Recycling bins were strategically installed across 40 schools in the Aley District, turning educational institutions into green hubs and catalysts for change.
Through fun,hands-on activities, children learned to identify recyclable materials like plastic, nylon, cardboard, glass, and metals, gaining real-world insight into environmental stewardship. These sessions weren’t just lectures—they were interactive experiences designed to engage both kids and their parents, highlighting how small daily choices can lead to significant long-term environmental impact.
The project also included informative awareness sessions, where families were taught about the importance of proper waste segregation and the environmental damage caused by improper disposal—such as the hundreds of years it takes for plastics to decompose, or the energy-intensive nature of producing new materials.RACycle provided the knowledge and resources needed to start reversing those trends—starting right at the community level.
What makes RACycle truly powerful is its commitment to education and sustainability,aligning with the Rotary Areas of Focus on The Environment and Basic Education and Literacy. It educates while it empowers, ensuring that lessons learned are put into action—and that communities take ownership of their role in building a greener future.
Under the vision and leadership of Karine Ichtay, RACycle is a clear reflection of Extending Legacies. It proves that real, lasting change is possible when service meets purpose, and when community service projects go beyond charity to become platforms for transformation. As it continues to grow, RACycle is not just changing habits—it’s shaping a generation that values the earth and takes responsibility for protecting it.
