One particularly inspiring initiative has emerged from schools around the world, where children have taken it upon themselves to transform discarded plastic bags into fashionable clothing items.

In Zimbabwe, one of the schools that has been doing this initiative is Silverlake Elementary School. This creative endeavor is said to not only foster environmental awareness but also encourage teamwork and artistic expression among students.

During the graduation day last week, Chido Musasiwa-Gutu, a local arts guru and founder of the Let Them Trust organization, was the guest of honor at the event.

Chido was impressed by the school’s theme, “Catch Them Young,” saying it is a powerful reminder that nurturing talents and skills from a young age can lead to incredible achievements.

“As someone who has been fortunate enough to excel in both sports and the arts, I want to share my story with you. I played basketball at the national team level in high school, including the All-Africa Games in 1995 and 2000. I also had the opportunity to act in TV series like Small House Saga and Outrage, and even held a cameo role in the movie The Cook Off. Currently, I manage talented artists like Jr Bantan and Ammara Brown. In addition to my creative pursuits, I have also pursued my education, completing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and counseling. I am proud to run an advertising agency called Chido Advertising and an organization called Let Them Trust, which encourages children to participate in the creative arts sector and appreciate Zimbabwean instruments and art forms.

“I am not sharing my achievements to brag, but to show you that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals. I want to encourage parents to allow their children to explore, learn, and discover where their talents lie. With encouragement, support, and investment in their passions, the world can be their oyster,” said Chido.

She added: “Success is through endeavor. It is essential to set goals and stick to them. Education is crucial, but so are sports and the arts. They help shape us into well-rounded individuals.” As a way of motivating learners, Chido also provided examples of individuals who have pursued multiple talents across different fields.

“Let me give you some examples of great people who have achieved incredible things. Did you know that Nelson Mandela, our beloved former President of South Africa, was a talented boxer and loved to dance? Or that our very own Zimbabwean singer, Oliver Mtukudzi, was not only a musician but also a talented artist and sculptor? Locally, we have talented artists like Jah Prayzah, who has made a name for himself in the music industry. Internationally, we have Zimbabweans like Danai Gurira, who has excelled in Hollywood. These individuals show us that we can pursue multiple passions and excel in various fields. So, I encourage you, dear students, to participate, ask questions, explore, and do your best in everything you do. And to parents, I urge you to support your children’s endeavors, even if they are not the most conventional. Encourage them to try new things, take risks, and learn from their mistakes,” she said.

Students also showcase their creations through fashion shows. During these shows or exhibitions, they model their outfits made entirely from recycled materials. These events serve multiple purposes: they raise awareness about environmental issues within the community while also allowing children to take pride in their accomplishments.