ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 1 JUNE 2026
,VAP2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 1 JUNE 2026
Assessment 02: Option 2A Greening
Project
Background to the problem
In the community where I live and where I
hope to teach, one of the most urgent
environmental problems is the uncontrolled
dumping of household waste, especially
single-use plastics. After weekends or public
holidays, open spaces near our school are littered with chip packets, cool drink bottles,
bread bags, and thin plastic shopping bags. During the rainy season, this waste blocks
the stormwater drains along our street, causing water to pool on the road and
sometimes enter the school playground. Young learners see this problem every day.
Many of them feel that the situation is hopeless because the municipality does not
collect waste frequently, and there is no recycling programme in our area.
This problem is directly linked to climate change because plastic production releases
greenhouse gases, and when plastic waste is burned (a common practice here), toxic
fumes enter the air. The Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal
12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) are therefore very relevant. In the
VAP2601 study guide, Odendaal and de Jager (2017:29) argue that quality art
, education creates individuals with “a heightened awareness of the uniqueness of
perceptions” and “the capacity for empathy and imagination”. I believe the arts can help
learners move from feeling helpless to becoming active problem‑solvers. This project
uses creative arts to transform waste from a symbol of neglect into a tool for storytelling,
awareness, and community action.
ii. A physical intervention / interdisciplinary public event
To address the problem of plastic waste, I will organise a “Trash to Treasure”
Community Parade and Installation event.
What it is: A colourful, lively parade followed by the creation of a temporary art
installation made entirely from recycled plastic waste collected by learners and their
families.
What it entails:
Preparation (two weeks before the event): The school launches a “Plastic Clean‑Up
Challenge”. Each class competes to collect the most clean, dry plastic waste (bottles,
lids, straws, containers, bags). During this time, the arts lessons (see part iii below)
teach learners how to turn waste into artistic elements – masks, sculptures, and
costume pieces.
Event day (Saturday morning, 09:00 – 12:00):