Want to help under privileged kids help themselves? The ‘Recycle Swop Shop’ is an empowerment initiative for children in Zwelihle (Hermanus’township). The aim of the program is two-fold:
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To clean up the community and teach environmental awareness
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Help provide basic needs of children
Every Wednesday afternoon, the children bring bags of tins, bottles, plastics and other recyclable rubbish from the streets, to the Hou Moed Shelter in Zwelihle. In return for these recyclables, the kids receive a number of points relating to how many bags they brought. The kids then get to trade in their points for things from the Swop Shop. For example: one bag of tins will get you a bar of soap, two might get you a roll of toilet paper or a pencil, four a second hand t-shirt and so on; the newer the items. The more valuable the items, the higher the price, just like a real store. The children have the option to ‘save up’ and buy a more expensive items if they wish.
Each month, the children who bring in the most bags, and the Swop Shop helpers, go on an outing. Some of the outings have included: trips to the recycling plant, nature reserve, swimming, and trips to the ice cream shop.
The Swop Shop is completely dependent on donations to operate. Donations of all kinds are welcome: from shoes and clothing, to pencils and toothbrushes. Any monetary donation will be used either to buy the few items not donated or for the outings the children go on.
If you have questions or would like to visit or assist in any way, contact Marilyn at: marilyn@hermanus.co.za or at 028-3121242
The Recycle Swop Shop is an empowerment initiative first started in 2003 for children in Zwelihle (Hermanus’ township). The project is very multifaceted but its main aims are two-fold:
- Help provide the basic needs of children
- To clean up the community and teach environmental awareness
Children are encouraged to bring bags of tins, bottles, plastics and other recyclable rubbish from the streets, in return for these recyclables, the children are issued a ticket reflecting a number of points relating to the volume or weight of the collectables they bring. They then can trade their points for items from the Swop Shop. For example: one bag of tins may earn you a toilet roll, two might get you a bar or soap or a pencil, five points may enable one to “purchase” a second hand t-shirt and so on. The new items or more valuable items have a higher the price, just like a real store. Children may ‘save up’ and buy a more expensive items if they wish.
The Swop Shop is completely dependent on donations to operate. Donations of all kinds are welcome and stock the shop. All monetary donation is used to buy school supplies, toiletries or for funding parties or special events.
