A pilot project in three schools on the Cape Flats is not only helping divert recyclable materials from ending up in landfills or on the streets of Athlone, it’s also making recycling champions out of pupils.
The recently wrapped pilot project saw pupils at three primary schools in Athlone energised around the topic of recycling, collecting just shy of 700 kilograms of recyclable packaging in March alone.
The pilot was run at the Norma Road, Kewtown and Alicedale primary schools by zero waste solution company, Regenize, in partnership with South Africa’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation, Petco.
“Recycling reduces waste and it also helps [reduce] pollution,” said nine-year-old Alicedale Primary pupil, Aalia Latiff.
Aalia and three other pupils were chosen as winners from a recycling-themed competition run as part of the campaign at the three schools. The winning pupils were sponsored to attend the annual four-day Reforest Festival in the Overberg region by event organisers Greenpop.
The festival is billed as a way to “enjoy four days of meaningful reforestation, engaging workshops, creative arts, and a vibrant community spirit”.
According to the pilot’s impact report, compiled by Regenize, pupils “embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, taking pride in their roles as young environmental ambassadors”.
The report continues: “Parents joined the movement at home. Teachers welcomed the integration of real-world environmental action into the curriculum, using the campaign as a platform to inspire responsibility.
“This collaboration has laid a strong baseline for measurable impact — one we can build upon with each future initiative.”
Aalia’s mom, Reyana Latiff, said her daughter was “absolutely chuffed that she won a prize for something she’s passionate about: art and the use of recycling”.
“The prize of camping at Reforest Fest has her even more driven. She’s definitely entering again! She had an absolutely smashing time,” Reyana said.
Norma Road Primary principal Abdul-Aleem Sparks expressed positivity over the pilot, saying: “The recycling competition was good and beneficial for the learners.”
Alicedale Primary principal, Isaac Morkel, agreed that the pilot had been a hit with pupils.
According to Greenpop chief executive, Misha Teasdale, reaching young people and involving them in the sustainability movement “is crucial for several reasons”.
“Firstly, it addresses eco-anxiety… By engaging them in active solutions, we transform anxiety into action, fostering a sense of empowerment and hope.
“Active citizenship is another vital aspect. Young people are the future leaders and decision-makers,” Teasdale said. “Creating a movement requires the energy and innovation that young people bring. Their involvement ensures that the sustainability movement remains dynamic and adaptable, capable of addressing both current and future environmental challenges. We need to imagine, plan and then create the world we want. Youth should be at the centre of this.”
Petco CEO Telly Chauke said encouraging awareness around the value and impact of recycling was the first step to driving behavioural change.
“It’s never too early to foster good habits in our children, so that they grow into environmentally responsible adults and community leaders, who can help us build a successful circular economy for South Africa,” Chauke said.
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