A fashion show hosted by an early childhood development centre saw rubbish take to the runway. Young students modelled garments made by their mothers using waste materials. Paper plates became top hats, plastic packets gathered to form skirts, and newspaper was folded into pleats. The lesson went beyond sustainability, teaching the art of finding beauty and possibility in what is often overlooked.
Blink Begin – ‘bright beginnings’ in Afrikaans – is the ECD programme run by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), which serves some of the most households in the area. The centre provides early learning to children whose families can’t afford formal preschools, preparing them for primary school. “Some young children in the Karoo have to grow up very quickly,” says principal Anolisha Paulsen. “Their parents go to work, and there is no one to look after the younger siblings.”
Blink Begin seeks to develop its learners holistically, encouraging not just cognitive stimulation, but emotional and social growth too. Its efforts extend beyond the classroom, incorporating nutrition education, and community-based projects to improve school readiness.
“The learners in Blink Begin are very open, confident and smart. They can make decisions based on how they feel and set boundaries when needed,” says Anolisha.
Garments made for the graduates of Blink Begin ECD by their mothers. Photos by Hannah St Clair
Instead of spending money on graduation outfits for the 2025 end-of-year celebrations, Blink Begin invited parents to take part in a new project: making garments out of waste. Children were involved in the process too, cleaning and preparing the materials – discarded packaging, plastic bags, paper scraps, and more – and giving creative input. Not only was the project creative and fun, but participants felt a sense of pride and connection from the process.
“I love the recycled project because it allowed me to bond more deeply with the children while helping them feel seen, valued, and proud of themselves,” Anolisha told Samantha Reinders for Kronkeldraai Chronicles. “It reminded me that confidence doesn’t come from expensive things – it comes from belonging, participation, and recognition.”
The project culminated in a red-carpet event, with children celebrating the creative achievement and their graduation by modelling their outfits for family, teachers, and the wider community. The looks were colourful, bold, and textured, a manifestation of the group’s imagination, resourcefulness and resilience.
Garments made for the graduates of Blink Begin ECD by their mothers. Photos by Hannah St Clair
If you’d like to support the work that Blink Begin does, you can volunteer or donate resources to them.
PACT also welcomes all contributions, and you can donate money, time, talent, resources and creativity. Get in touch here.
- Feature photo is by Hannah St Clair
