Northwood Primary School turns recycling into a fun learning experience with PETCO and Ready D
From left, are B-Boys Brandon Petersen, Nathan Lodewyk, Kelsey Ann 'DJ Kixi' Hendricks, Grandmaster DJ Ready D, B-boy, Moegamat Faiq 'Shorty' Safodien at the initiative on Thursday, August 29.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Northwood Primary School turned recycling into a high-energy lesson last week when PETCO, GrandMaster Ready D, and a crew of award-winning B-Boys brought the message to life.
The team, joined by the Great Cape Ambassadors Programme (G-CAP) — a youth development initiative founded by Ready D himself — got pupils buzzing about the power of recycling and how it can change their communities on Thursday, August 28.
The programme focuses on raising awareness around recycling polyethene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles and jars, as well as liquid board packaging such as used beverage cartons. Pupils also learned about the importance of separating waste at source and how small daily actions can have a big environmental impact.
Pupils were excited to learn that their school could win R50 000 if they collaborated in the recycling competition during assembly. To stand a chance, schools must collect PET1 bottles and beverage cartons — turning waste into opportunity.
Kelsey Ann 'DJ Kixi' Hendricks and Grandmaster DJ Ready D on the decks.
Image: Marsha Bothma
On Thursday August 28, during assembly at Northwood Primary, pupils were told their school stands a chance of winning R50 000 if everyone takes part in the competition. To win, schools must collect items such as PET1 bottles and cartons.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Wavecrest, Duneside, Liesbeeck and Caradale primary schools are also competing.
MC and B-Boy dancer Nathan Lodewyk said music and dance made it easier for the pupils to understand. “All the schools who are participating are very excited to win,” he said.
At the assembly, pupils even learned how to pronounce polyethylene terephthalate.
Grade 7 head boy Rayhaan Thomas said he enjoyed learning the new word.
Principal Leon Jones said it was an “ingenious way” to teach pupils about recycling.
“They like to see and hear things visually. The DJ really brought the message across. They got to see the different bins and how to recycle. Teachers can now use this in class and pupils can apply it at home too,” he said.
Each participating school has received recycling bins, posters and information to help pupils identify different types of packaging. From left are From left is B-Boy Brandon Petersen, Grandmaster DJ Ready D, B-boy, Moegamat Faiq 'Shorty' Safodien and in the back is Kelsey Ann 'DJ Kixi' Hendricks.
Image: Marsha Bothma
GrandMaster Ready D said the message goes beyond schools.
“We are teaching young people about recyclable packaging, like PET1 bottles and other plastics. They can take this into their homes and communities,” he said.
The campaign kicked off on Monday, August 25 at Duneside Primary School and will end on Friday, August 29, at Caradale Primary.
Each participating school received recycling bins, posters, and information to help pupils identify different types of packaging.
Telly Chauke, PETCO CEO, said projects like this show recycling is not only valuable but also creates jobs.
“We want young people to see that recycling protects the environment and supports families through income opportunities,” she said.