A Llandudno Primary School Grade 6 pupil hopes to inspire a culture of recycling in her community and among her classmates.
Jemma Tilney, 12, founded a recycling project at the school to collect bottle caps, bread bags, toilet rolls and other items that will be turned into educational toys for disadvantaged children, according to principal, Alexander Molteno.
The toys will be designed by volunteers at Funda Kunye, a Hout Bay non-profit organisation that provides training to caregivers looking after babies and toddlers in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg (“Caring about the future,” Sentinel, July 2021).
“The recycled items will be made into age-appropriate toys and play activities for babies and toddlers. With bread bags, we’ve made skipping ropes and balls,” said Karen Temlett, the co-founder of Funda Kunye.
She will be designing toys along with Jemma’s mom, Rachelle Tilney, and other Funda Kunye volunteers, Nobantu Paliso, Harriet Tyhaliti and Loren-Lee Meyer.
“I love helping others especially when it comes to young learners that don’t have the same opportunities or support as us at our school,” said Jemma, who also enjoys netball, water polo and singing in her school band.
She got involved in the project through her mother.
“She told me about the project, and I wanted to share it with the school and help recycle goods to make education toys for preschool children in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg.
“We launched the project to the school three weeks ago. Since Tuesday July 16, all the classes at Llandudno Primary began collecting recycled bottle caps, bread bags, toilet rolls and yoghurt tubs. So far, the Grade 4 pupils have collected the most by filling almost two bin bags worth of recycled goods.”
Ms Temlett said: “We are incredibly proud and grateful to Jemma and Llandudno Primary School for their support of Funda Kunye. Jemma’s efforts not only raise awareness about the importance of recycling but also demonstrate that educational toys can be made from recycled materials, providing a cost-effective solution for caregivers and educators.”
For more information or to make a contribution, contact Karen Temlett at 082 417 4871 or email karenfundakunye@gmail.com.
