One key part of the sustainable communities’ project is the Recycle/Up-cycle component which teaches children to make useful products from plastic waste and to generate income from it. The pilot phase of the project saw the production of pillows, cosmetic bags, pen and pencil cases and key holders from plastic water sachets picked from the school compounds. Picking lessons from the Disaster Risk Reduction workshops we delivered earlier on, school children understood the need to reduce waste and find an alternative use for their waste; this made it easy for children to appreciate the model of waste management the sustainable community’s project presents.

What is more, is the fun aspect of the activities, integration is not an usual thing in Ghanaian schools except for the times of inter-schools games so children are over excited because the recycle art workshops bring schools in a particular community together and guide them to work in groups and present their products for judgment.

Green Africa Youth Organization facilitates the sale of these products and every money earned funds the education of marginalized children who cannot afford education due to financial reasons. We have put more than ten children back to school and supporting the livelihood of over 6 youngg ladies who have completed their junior high school education. We are particularly happy for teaching schools to practically manage their waste and for also creating green jobs. When you find yourself in Accra, you can pass by ‘The shop’ at Osu and ask for any ‘Waste Pro’ product, Remember every purchase you make goes into schooling a poor child in New Edubiase. We will open an online shop soon, watch out for that. You can also see our partnernership with Australian startup YEVU here.