Turning Plastic Waste into Safe Classrooms

Until mid-2023, students at SD Solid were learning in semi-permanent classrooms made of bamboo walls and zinc roofs that often leaked when it rained. Lessons had to be stopped during heavy weather, but their determination to learn never wavered.

Thanks to kind supporters like you, everything began to change. By August 2023, six new classrooms, a teacher’s room, proper furniture, three toilets, and two handwashing stations had been built, creating a safe and comfortable environment for students and teachers.

This year, with your continued support, SD Solid received something they had long dreamed of: a library made from eco-friendly material. The new space, filled with diverse and colourful books, has quickly become the heart of the school.

Inspired by this new library, teachers launched a Reading, Writing, and Counting (Calistung) program to help younger students strengthen their basic skills. Every morning before lessons begin, children now spend 15–20 minutes reading. The results are remarkable. There used to be only a few book borrowers, but now around 20 students visit the library daily.

“This library is a blessing and a responsibility; we’ll make sure it is used well so it continues to benefit our students,” said Principal Robert Ricardo Tulandi.

Because of your support, students at SD Solid now have a safe and inspiring place to learn, as well as a growing love for reading. Your support continues to create real change, one classroom and one book at a time.

Thank you for making this possible.

P.S.: Would you share this story with others who believe every child deserves a safe place to learn? Together, we can make this impact even greater.

Links:

• Find out more about our programs