One school. One mission. 86 bags of rescued textiles. In the spirit of Mandela Day, learners of Durbanville High School collected old clothes and other textile waste as part of the emotional resilience programme Max & Me and inclusive textile initiative Clothes to Good – a first for the Western Cape.
What began as an initiative led by Grade 8 and 9 English Home Language learners quickly grew with matrics, teachers and families joining in to donate green bags filled with unwanted textiles. “This is proof that when a school comes together, every thread counts,” says Adrie Jurgensen, founder of Max & Me.
200 years to decompose
Textile waste can take up to 200 years to decompose in landfills. The initiative empowers mothers raising children with disabilities through inclusive job creation. It also inspires learners to become eco-conscious leaders,” she says.
Altogether 86 biodegradable green bags filled with clothing, cushions, belts and books — all headed for reuse, resale, upcycling or downcycling – were collected. “This is a small step,” said Grade 8 learner Emma Wehann, “but we are definitely moving forward!”
Fellow learner Cara Coetzee described the experience as “incredible”, saying she felt proud to be part of something that made a real impact. “We had to inspire the older learners to get involved — that’s how we learned leadership. I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s making a difference,” says Elizabeth Coetzer, one of the school’s English Home Language Eco Warriors.
Moved to tears
Their teacher, Annemarie Stoffberg, was moved to tears when she heard just how successful the campaign had been – not only in volume, but in how it awakened a sense of purpose and possibility among her learners.
A passionate advocate for sustainability, Stoffberg used the project – which took place during exams – to teach her class about the fast-growing circular textile economy and the potential it holds for future careers.
“From product innovation to materials like ZeroCrete, these learners saw that sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It’s creative, it’s exciting, and it’s vital to our future,” she says.
Raise eco-leaders
Jurgensen of Max & Me says this is exactly what the programme is designed to do: “We’re not just here to collect clothes. We’re here to raise young eco-leaders, build emotional intelligence and connect personal action with real-world change. Textiles are part of daily life – so why not use them to teach leadership, responsibility, and the power of community?”
“Max & Me is proud to be the implementation partner for Clothes to Good as they expand their footprint into Cape Town. The spring campaign, running in the third term, invites schools, eco clubs, scouts and Voortrekkers to join the movement – with practical toolkits, emotional education, and a focus on action-led learning,” she says.
Jurgensen explains how it works: “Learners collect a green bag and a permission form. Families fill the bag with clean clothing, soft toys, belts, books and cushions – even old towels and single socks (no shoes, please!)
“The signed form goes inside the filled bag, which is returned to school. As a reward, each learner receives a 15% H&M voucher and a Spekboom plant.
“All bags are weighed and collected by Clothes to Good – turning clutter into circular economy opportunity. This isn’t just about donating old clothes – it’s about building a future we can all be proud of,” she says.
- Contact Rashieda at 067 171 6507 to arrange a collection if your business, school, eco club or youth group wants to be part of this growing network of changemakers.
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