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Trash Truck - South Africa

Country

South Africa

Region

Africa

Programme Summary

Initiated in 1998, Sibikwa Community Theatre's project Trash Truck is a 20-minute-long live performance that focuses on the subjects of littering and recycling. Performed at primary and high schools and community centres in Greater Benoni area of South Africa, the play encourages people to recycle bottles, paper, cardboard, and water; collect paper, bottles, and plastic; and support waste collection points. The project also calls for students to raise funds for their schools through the collection of waste material. The goal of Trash Truck is to make people environmentally aware.

Communication Strategies

The presentation - entitled "War on Waste" - is played out on an open flat-bed garbage truck that is parked on school grounds or at community centres. The physical presence of this large truck is meant to arouse children's curiosity, making them more receptive to the ideas that are presented. A cast of ten actors use music, dance, and mime to relay a simple story about a poor family that generates extra income by collecting waste. The actors generate audience participation by teaching songs and asking for suggestions about waste management. A litter clean-up follows the performance. The play highlights the importance of preserving the environment and suggests ways in which this goal might become part of daily life.


After each performance at a school, teachers of natural sciences and life skills are identified and provided with teaching packs for use in the classroom. This support material includes planned lessons with supplementary materials.


To reinforce the impact of the performance, Sibikwa returns to schools and community centres to conduct three follow-up workshops that establish environment committees or support those already in existence. The participants decide the content of the workshop.

Development Issues

Environment, Children, Youth.

Key Points

Thirty performances took place at 21 primary schools and 11 high schools in Actonville, Daveyton, Wattville, Etwatwa, and Benoni over a span of three weeks, reaching 20,000 students.


Since its inception in 1988, the Sibikwa Community Theatre Project has used the performing arts as a medium to highlight social, economic, and political issues - with environmental preservation a central focus. Sibikwa facilitates workshops and hosts performances locally, nationally, and internationally. Based in Benoni, Sibikwa's prime area of concern is the communities on the East Rand. It works through partnerships with local communities and officials.

Partners

Greater Benoni City Council Cleaning Department.

Contact

Greater Benoni City Council Cleaning Department.

Renus Muller
Project Manager
Tel: +27 (0)11 422 4359
Fax: +27 (0)11 421 2346
sibikwa@iafrica.com
Sibikwa Website

Source

Letters sent from Sibikwa Community Theatre Project to The Communication Initiative on July 18 and 26, 2002; "Edutainment for Development and Sexual Health - Sexual Health Exchange" by Phyllis Klotz sent to the"AF-AIDS" list serve af-aids@lists.healthdev.net on July 18, 2002.


Placed on the Soul Beat Africa site July 22 2003
Last Updated July 17 2003

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