Pitching Perfect

Zero Waste Competition is at the FINAL!  Based on creativity, repurposed materials used and the outcome of their product, we have excitingly selected 9 finalists who managed to nab the highest points on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, we were bowled over by the creations of all 33 groups of participants! 

Are you curious about the ‘why’ behind this competition?

Here is what our founder, Victoria Miloschewsky explicated, “The pandemic was and still is hurting quality education especially for so many of our children in rural Cambodia. I’ve realized that more and more of our children are getting disengaged from learning due to the prolonged school closures. That made me think about how we can excite the children once again and engage them in greater learning.” 
 
Victoria continues, “Then Zero Waste came to my mind! It is about educating children the importance of sustainability and empowering everyone to build something creative from waste! Looking back, I am so glad we did just that!”  Victoria’s vision certainly is inspiring and we are extremely glad that amazing things have been borne out of this competition! 

Looking at the colourful and varied types of the items that our participants have made, we think the judges will definitely have a hard time choosing the final winners!   Due to Covid19, we unfortunately had to postpone our live judging event but we will certainly keep you posted through our Facebook page as soon as the date is confirmed.   
 
As part of the competition, our finalists had to master their 90-second video pitch to present their creations.  We were so excited to see how some of them introduced themselves and their products differently!  Some even pitched in English and that is REAL bravest!  

Teacher Lis (one of the finalists) shared, “What I enjoyed most about the competition was that it taught me something new!  Not only did I learn to use my creativity to make products out of waste, it also challenged me to develop another skill – to pitch in front of the camera!”  
 
It is definitely energizing to hear our teachers learning new skills and gaining more confidence through our competition! Her mastering of online video platforms will come in handy for online teaching during school closures. 
 
When asked how this competition has changed how she looks at waste now, Teacher Lis responded, “I realized that every type of waste is useful in its own way. Also, using waste to create something beautiful and useful can be a source of income if we were to sell it to someone  who likes it or finds it purposeful! Last but not least, I see how I am able to play a part in reducing waste and helping to keep the environment clean.” 

On behalf of her team, Teacher Lis also expressed how excited and happy she is to be selected as one of the finalists of the competition!  We are absolutely proud of our teachers creating their tables and chairs out of cardboards and rice bags! 
  
Talking about the final judging of the event, Victoria enthused: “I am beyond chuffed for the day to come! While watching the video pitches, I can totally feel the passion from the children. I am so proud and amazed!”  To what Victoria shared, we can say that we are too! 
  
Do you want to see more of the Zero Waste creations done by our participants?  Subscribe to PeopleStories YouTube Channel to watch Part 1 and Part 2 of our video compilation and support our children in rural Cambodia. 
 
 
Story written by: Volunteer Zeleen Thum