On August 20, 2025, Cape Recife High School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, hosted its highly anticipated Upcycling Competition, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate creativity and sustainability. This event aimed to inspire participants to transform discarded plastic items into innovative creations, showcasing the importance of environmental consciousness in our daily lives.
UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project
Grade 8 and 9 learners have been taking part in the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project since the start of 2025. The students then displayed their remarkable projects that not only highlighted the endless possibilities of upcycling single-use plastics but also showcased their incredible creativity. Participants were encouraged to use materials that would typically be thrown away, such as plastic bottles, straws, old clothing, and other discarded items, to turn ‘trash into treasure.’
Participants showcased their entries, which the WESSA judges evaluated and assessed across various categories, including:
- Creativity & Innovation
- Sustainability & Impact
- Feasibility & Functionality
- Presentation & Communication
- Collaboration & Teamwork
The creativity on display was truly inspiring, with students thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of traditional crafting.
Community Spirit
Students rallied for support from family, friends, and on the day teachers and parents visited the exhibition to view the creations, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Attendees enjoyed viewing the creations and learning more about the importance of sustainable practices in an engaging and fun atmosphere, gaining insights into the school’s initiatives.
The UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also served as an educational opportunity. Learners completed their creation as part of their Arts & Culture subject. Throughout the event, participants and attendees learned about the impact of waste on the environment and how upcycling can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The success of this year’s Design Challenge Showcase has motivated Cape Recife High School to consider making it an annual event. With growing interest in sustainability and creative expression among students, future competitions promise to be even more ambitious and innovative.
The event was a resounding success, highlighting the creativity and resourcefulness of Cape Recife High School students. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and ingenuity! Together, we can continue to inspire a culture of sustainability and responsibility within our community.
Let’s keep the momentum going and turn our waste into wonderful creations!