Is plastic the new currency? Coca-Cola is rewarding innovative ideas

Isrina schools, Ajegunle, was engaged in a beehive of activities recently. It was where the recycles Pay project — hugely backed by The Coca-Cola Foundation and incepted by the African Clean-Up Initiative, was  set to launch. The school was planted deep inside Ajegunle with the structure housing kids who were undeniably excited to learn.

Following the news last year, your attention would have been drawn to Recycles Pay, a project which made it possible for parents to pay off part of their wards’ school fees by trading recyclable waste. This innovative idea dominated the traditional news, the blogosphere and social media locally and internationally which led to The Coca-Cola Foundation viewing them as a viable platform to achieve their goals as it concerns well-being and a world without waste.

As the parents flocked in with their recyclable waste to pay off part of their respective kids’ school fees, it was clear that this idea was a crucial one. Not only did they express joy at their financial burdens being relieved, but they were also passionate about proper waste disposal — a behaviour change shaped by the groundwork laid by Recycles Pay.

The kids were so enthusiastic to receive the Coca-Cola and Recycles Pay teams as they were enlightened on proper waste management and environmental wellness.

Through The Coca-Cola Foundation and the African Clean Up Initiative, the financial limitations of the guardians were eased and now their kids have access to education in an area where it is not easily accessible.

The grant, awarded to the African Clean Up Initiative by The Coca-Cola Foundation, will increase the capacity of the Recycles Pay project, as many more schools will be reached and impacted by the initiative.