Waste was turned into wonderful backpacks, not only reducing the impact on the environment but also providing essential resources to underprivileged children in KZN.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (29 August 2024) – The Domino Foundation was the recipient of colourful bags created from a surplus of 90,000 fabric panels that had been punched out for clear PVC inserts for innovative pop-up screens called the Desk Buddy, designed for children’s school desks in the United States.
Instead of letting the panels end up in landfills, Expand a Sign, and Uzwelo Bags converted these fabric panels into practical and stylish backpacks for people in underprivileged communities across South Africa as part of their Mandela Day commitments.
The Domino Foundation’s Life Skills Programme was among the first organisations to benefit from the Waste To Hope backpack initiative, receiving 150 colourful, upcycled backpacks.
These backpacks were distributed to learners in Grades 4 to 7 at Bester and Inanda Primary Schools, two schools that partner with the Domino Foundation to provide values-based education.
Nicky Walton, Domino’s Education Co-ordinator, explained that the life skills programme gives learners the tools with which to make wise life choices, countering an often negative environment by centring around respect for self, others and the environment, kindness to others, caring for others and seeking their good.
“The gift of the backpacks teaches a narrative about care for the environment, about empowering others to be positive players in shaping their own present and their futures, and about creativity.”
Sporting his new his new vibrantly patterned backpack, Grade 7 Ekuthuleni Primary learner Lungelo Raketsi shared:
“We are so happy with these backpacks. We are so interested to hear that they have been made from what some people might have thrown away but what has been turned into something beautiful and useful.”
Not only are these backpacks stunning but they are also eco-friendly and have provided practical and stylish items to underprivileged communities, improving their quality of life.
Sources: Domino Foundation
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 