Abstract
The research project explores community engagement in collaboration with the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and how informal reclaimers work with academic institutions such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to create educational and artistic products from recycled materials. The recycled materials collected by ARO members transformed into learning tools with creative means for the Bekezela preschool (a reclaimer-established preschool), having the reclaimers lead the initiative themselves. The research project aims to teach their children ways of recycling and separating waste at the source, whether in their homes or at school, allowing for early environmental awareness.
The research methods explored in this research project are Participatory Action Research, Photodocumentary, creative workshops, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. The research project focused on skills exchange between ARO reclaimers and Visual Art students from the University of Johannesburg. This was achieved through practical, creative workshops that enabled participants to share skills in creating both artworks and functional products. The project also included a collaborative research component with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. The collaboration allowed for knowledge exchange and the co-creation of artworks and products from recycled material, producing an enriched outcome for both academic and participating members.
Furthermore, as part of the research project, a parade was organized to celebrate ARO's contributions, which were archived by the informal reclaimers under their organization; the parade aimed at raising awareness and recognition for informal reclaimers within the municipal waste management hierarchy. Inspired by the Northern Lights Parade, the parade in Johannesburg involved coordination with the local governmental departments, such as the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the ER24 Medical Emergencies Services. This collaboration with the city departments in the research project provided a platform for city council engagement within the arts. The research project's planning took over two years during the academic timetable and included local and international collaborative engagement.
Outcomes of the research project included the parade organization, the creation of artworks, products, and educational materials such as the 'Sort It,' a child-friendly illustrated recycling and sorting booklet. During a collaborative workshop at UJ, a replicable booklet was designed. Based
on ARO’s recycling agenda, it promotes waste management in South African preschools and supports community-based waste management practices.