Creative workshops for sustainable waste recycling

Students from Trier University of Applied Sciences bring recycling techniques to Togo and thus also to our project and raise awareness of how to deal with waste.

The recycling project in Togo continues to make progress. After an initial phase in which the garbage was collected and analyzed in the project villages, four students from Trier University of Applied Sciences have developed techniques to transform the common black garbage bags into useful everyday objects. Hannah, one of the four students, has now spent an extended period of time in Togo to teach the local people about recycling techniques and at the same time raise their awareness of how to deal with waste.

In a series of workshops, Hannah taught people in the various villages creative recycling techniques, including crocheting and using a knitting shuttle to make products such as mats, bags and ropes from old garbage bags.

The first workshop took place with a group of women from Kotokopé, most of whom were members of a local cooperative. Here, the women not only learned new skills, but also ways in which they can make useful and durable products from garbage bags. Another workshop was aimed at a group of young people from Novissikomé, a district of Kpalimé. They are already actively involved in keeping their neighbourhood clean by setting up garbage cans and organizing waste collection campaigns. The recycling workshops have now supplemented their commitment by showing them how to make useful items from bin liners. Four students from the INFA Forestry School, who had set up a small environmental group out of their own interest, also took part in the workshops. Hannah gave them practical instructions and tips on how to recycle waste, which was met with great enthusiasm. Even the waste collectors from Agou, who are paid by the prefecture for their services, took part in the workshops. The focus here was on showing them how they can recycle the waste they collect and thus make a contribution to environmental protection.

A special workshop took place in a children's home near Kpalimé. The children clearly enjoyed making creative projects out of bin bags and learning recycling techniques. The workshop turned into a fun craft session where the children not only improved their craftsmanship but also developed a deeper understanding of the importance of recycling.
In a new video report, Hannah now shares her experiences and impressions of her stay in Togo. The video shows the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants as they learn and apply their new skills. It also illustrates the positive impact of the project on the local community and the environment.
The waste recycling project has shown how simple techniques and creativity can make a big difference in waste management. Participants have not only learned new skills, but have also raised awareness of the importance of recycling.