Eenhana youth transform waste into art

A group of 15 youths in Eenhana have united to collect waste materials and transform them into functional art works, all while promoting environmental conservation and generating income.

This initiative, known as the Eenhana Environmental Working Group, was launched in November 2023 after the Eenhana Multi-Purpose Centre called upon young people with innovative ideas for waste management.

In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli, group chairperson Puye Shonena said the mentorship received during the initiative inspired them to begin collecting and repurposing waste.

“In 2023, we came to the centre and received mentoring. We were eager to start collecting waste products that we could reuse and sell, as well as contribute to a cleaner environment,” she said.

The group gathers materials such as empty wine bottles, plastics and cans, which they creatively repurpose into products like earrings made from discarded packaging, decorative pieces crafted from bottles, and pen holders made from soft drink containers. They also incorporate old tennis rackets into their crafts.

Shonena underscored the project's goal is to shift the perception of waste among Namibians. “Many people dispose of waste without realising its potential to provide a source of income," she said. "My team and I want to demonstrate to youth that they can generate income in various ways. All it takes is creativity and the ability to see potential in everything,” she explained.

In addition to their sales efforts, the group is dedicated to raising awareness. They organise campaigns and conferences to educate the public about proper waste management and the benefits of reusing materials.

Currently, the majority of their customers are tourists, as support from the local community remains minimal. “Our goal is to show fellow youth that valuable items can be created from seemingly useless materials. If more people join us in transforming waste into art, we can help foster a cleaner environment,” Shonena said.

Reshaping mindsets

Looking to the future, the group plans to cater to events with their decorative items, provide training for more young people, and expand their initiative beyond the Ohangwena region. “By training additional individuals, we can reshape perceptions, reduce littering, and increase sales as awareness of our creations grows,” Shonena said.

Despite their achievements, the group faces challenges, including the high costs of spray paint, glue guns and other materials. They are seeking financial support to attend expos and trade fairs, as well as professional training to enhance their skills.

“We have students from IUM majoring in environmental studies and sustainable agriculture. I hold an honours degree in public health. We apply these skills, but we still require additional training,” Shonena said.

The group has also been allocated a plot by the centre where they cultivate cabbage, tomatoes, onions, carrots, spinach, and fruit trees such as pawpaw, mangoes, and guavas, which they sell alongside their produce and seedlings.

Julia N. Phillipus, a group member, highlighted their mission to engage more youth. “Our aim is to educate young people about climate change, how they can contribute to addressing it, and how to convert challenges into opportunities,” she said.

Government encouragement

At the Ohangwena Environmental Education Regional Conference 2026, held in Eenhana last week, deputy minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, urged youth to take decisive action.

“Climate change will not wait for anyone to be ready, nor will the markets," the deputy minister said. "What Ohangwena needs is organisation, discipline and bold, climate-smart entrepreneurship from its young people. The land is available. Water infrastructure is being established. Financial instruments are accessible. What remains is leadership,” she stressed.

The conference, themed 'Integrating Climate Action, Water Security, and Sustainable Agriculture for a Resilient Future', brought together stakeholders to educate youth on opportunities regarding climate change.