From Waste to Wonder: Young Changemakers in Chiwundura Lead the Way 

In a small rural community in Chiwundura, Central Zimbabwe, three young boys are turning waste into hope. Blessed (14), Edgar (11), and Talent (12) have discovered that even the simplest discarded items have huge potential. Inspired by care for God’s creation and action, they have turned used bottle seals into colourful ropes.

Under the “Waste Smart, We Care” campaign, the boys have not only addressed the pressing issue of plastic waste in their community but also demonstrated the power of creativity and teamwork. Blessing explains the process: 

“This is how we make our plastic ropes: we use a small wire to loosen the seal from the bottle. We do this carefully so that we do not damage it. My friend softens the seal by bending it sideways to make it softer and more flexible. We then attach the seal together to make a rope of any length.”

These ropes have been of great help at home as we use them for tying up cows and goats when we take them for grazing. The money I got from selling our plastic ropes today, I am going to use to buy myself stationery for school, plus some of the money towards school fees, my lunch and also get a new uniform and school shoes.

By collecting what many consider to be rubbish, Blessed, Edgar, and Talent are brilliantly demonstrating how small actions can lead to significant change. Their innovative approach not only provides practical solutions for everyday challenges but also holds great potential to inspire their peers and the wider community to rethink waste.  

To find out more about the Waste Smart, We Care Advocacy Campaign, visit: https://uspg.org.uk/zimbabwe/