Waste Not, Want Not and #doDifferent
In many parts of the world, access to basic necessities like shoes can significantly impact a child's education and overall well-being. But what if one could repurpose millions of used PVC drip bags, oxygen masks, and medical tubing that would otherwise end up in landfills, and transform them into essential school shoes for underprivileged children? This could foster a brighter future for generations to come…
As education is the bedrock of a brighter future, and for many children in South Africa, a sturdy pair of shoes is the foundation that allows them to get there. The MyWalk project, a beacon of innovation and social responsibility, is bridging this gap by transforming discarded medical waste into durable school shoes for underprivileged communities.
Launched in February 2020, MyWalk is a collaborative effort between Adcock Ingram Critical Care and Netcare. The project's heart lies in Gauteng, where it sets out to equip learners with essential school shoes, aiming to eventually extend its reach to other provinces across South Africa.
But what truly sets MyWalk apart is its ingenious approach to sustainability. Millions of used, non-hazardous hospital PVC drip bags, oxygen masks, and tubing that would typically end up in landfills are given a new lease on life. These discarded materials are meticulously recycled and transformed into high-quality school shoes.
The MyWalk project extends far beyond shoe donations. It embodies a long-term vision for a more sustainable future. By upcycling medical waste, MyWalk reduces environmental impact while simultaneously creating new opportunities. The project fosters enterprise development and job creation, empowering individuals and communities.
Furthermore, MyWalk has garnered recognition and support from the South African government's departments of Basic Education, Health, Social Development, and Trade, Industry, and Competition. This collective effort underscores the project's far-reaching significance and its potential to create lasting positive change.
The MyWalk project is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can address social and environmental challenges. By giving discarded medical waste a purpose, My Walk paves the way for a brighter future, step by step.
