Lunchbox Theatre teaches learners about the perils of dumping and advantages of recycling, composting and managing waste effectively

What role do schools play in educating future consumers and protecting the environment?  What is an effective way of reducing the enormous amount of waste we are producing? Can children play a role in educating their families?   How do children learn through a live theatre show? Read about what educators say about the efficacy of live theatre like the What a Waste Show.

Schools play a major role in educating future consumers and decision makers. Teaching learners at a young age about reducing and reusing the amount of waste produced by a school can give learners a broader perspective and start them thinking about their responsibility towards the community and the environment.

Waste education requires young learners to relate what they learn at school to what they learn at home and can empower them by getting them involved in the reduction of waste. The What a Waste Show provides a way of linking the National Curriculum Statements to day-to-day schooling and can empower learners to get involved in the reduction of waste.

“In terms of the South African situation and fostering connections between people, watching theatre or participating in drama is an excellent means of creating empathy and facilitating an understanding of other people’s feelings.  While watching theatre we can be transported into the hearts, minds, bodies and stories of others in a way that can transcend race, class, gender and age. In this way deeper levels of communication and understanding can be achieved.” Heather Schiff, clinical psychologist, drama therapist and director of the Bonfire Theatre Company.

This is what teachers say about the What a Waste Show.

“Everything about the show worked well for the teachers and the learners. It was perfect.  It showed clearly how bad it is when our surroundings are dirty and how this can be solved. I can use the recycling ideas in my class.  The children could relate to it and loved the fun of the ‘jive’, soccer match, garbage truck and cleaning part’.”  Margaret Mvane, 339 learners at Phakamisani School, Plettenberg Bay.

“The actors held the learner’s attention especially with the singing and dancing.  They learned that they must clean up after themselves, throw rubbish in the correct bins and recycle what they can.  The show will help me to integrate the ideas into the Curriculum to keep the children captivated and motivated.” V Wagner, 300 learners at Hornlee Primary, Knysna.

“The children listened attentively and responded appropriately.  The show taught them about life threatening diseases and how to make healthy choices. The talented actors gave us a show that is beneficial to children and teachers.”  Mrs MH Davids, 62 learners at Kranshoek Primary,

Almost every teacher asked for more shows to help them teach the children about life skills.  If your learners have not yet seen the engaging What a Waste Show please see if you can make a plan?  It might even be an idea to use the show as a fundraiser for your school by inviting the rest of the family and charging a small entry fee to cover it?

Deep appreciation goes to Bitou Municipality, The Orca and Nussbaum Foundations, the National Lotteries Commission, National Arts Council and Ann Fermor from Kids of Kurland for the opportunity to educate 6581 children through 30 What a Waste Shows.