By ophaniel.gooding@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a celebration of creativity and environmental consciousness during the Go Circular Week, four talented individuals were honoured at the Creative Hub Africa (CHA) in Lumley, Freetown. The recognition ceremony showcased the diverse contributions of these creatives, with three excelling in visual arts and one in poetry.
Plastic waste artistically displayed
Alusine Caleb Kamara, an audio-visual artist, claimed the first prize by presenting a compelling short video addressing plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. Zahra Fakih, known as Zato, secured the second place with her innovative artwork—an artistic flower vase crafted from 100 plastic bottles, creating a captivating display.
1st Prize winner
The third prize went to Theophilous Salankole, known as Theo’s Arte, for his hyper-realistic portrait illustrating the dangers of plastic pollution to both humans and aquatic ecosystems. A young poet named Fatmata delivered a powerful poem emphasizing the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy.
2nd Prize winner
Isatu Harrison, the founder of CHA, expressed her excitement about the achievements and initiatives of the Creative Hub over the past year. She highlighted the diverse projects, including open mic nights, trial Tuesdays, and a cashless market supporting female-led businesses. Harrison emphasized the impact on job creation, business support, and community building within the creative sector.
Presenting the award ceremony
Mary Jalloh, the SLEDEP Coordinator, underscored the importance of changing mindsets and reducing plastic usage. The week-long event aimed to inspire innovative solutions, showcasing local entrepreneurs like Sheka Briquette Making Enterprise, Sulma Design recycling car tires for furniture, and Abdul Rahman in Kono repurposing old conveyor belts for slippers and plastic for fashion bags.
Materials from waste plastics
The event culminated with presentations from local entrepreneurs, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices and creative solutions. The collaborative efforts of various government ministries, projects, and the World Bank, supported by PROBLUE, highlighted the collective dedication to promoting a circular economy and addressing plastic pollution in Sierra Leone. OG/23/2/2024
The audience at the event
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings