A group of NGOs and companies have collaborated to make this upcoming Mandela Day one to value, for the children of Masiphumelele.
Conceptualised as a give back initiative to the community of Masiphumelele, or more accurately, to the children of Masiphumulele, the NGOs and companies are planning a day filled with fun, and useful education.
Jared Hartman of Stasher SA explains the initiative: “The idea is to bring about environmental awareness and educate the youth on the negative effects of single use plastic and teaching them how to recycle, re-use and ultimately, re-think plastic pollution in their daily lives.”
He said that Nelson Mandela, whom he calls the father of freedom, once said that history will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.
It is these words that have inspired Stasher SA’s “Environmental Awareness Day” being held at uKhanyo Primary School on Wednesday July 18.
All of the NGOs and companies have come together to invest in the youth, the environment and in creating a solution for a plastic-free world.
Mr Hartman explains that plastic recycling in South Africa leaves much to be desired. He says the current recycling efforts do not effectively reduce the single use plastic pollution problem.
While it is not a fun message, the group are cognisant of the fact that children need to be inspired to learn and they want the day to be enjoyable for the children.
So, Candice Mostert of Waste-Ed will present and facilitate the day’s activities. The day will consist of the creation and constructive, educational application of “Eco-Bricks”.
In collaboration with Bongolethu Primary,, the day will also incorporate a clean-up with the children, hosted by The Beach Co-op.
The arty bit then takes shape. After sorting through recyclable and non recyclable waste, and making eco bricks, the children will be guided how to make art work with eco bricks and plastic.
When they have thoroughly enjoyed making art, the children will then be entertained and educated with an environmental presentation and talk.
The day will cater for 350 children from the uKhanyo and Bongolethu primary schools.
And you can help make the day even more memorable.
“We are looking for any donations that can be made to the schools in the form of food, pens, educational books, crayons, or cash donations. We thank our supporters and donors for their contributions so far,” Jared said.
He can be contacted on 606 043 851 or on email at jared@in2africa.co.za
