Namib High School’s “Mother Earth” sculpture turns trash into powerful message

Namib High School learners created a sculpture from discarded waste as a message about climate change and polution.
  • 12 Hours Ago
Learners at Namib High School have transformed everyday waste into a stunning work of art called Mother Earth. The sculpture is meant to show how human actions impact the planet and inspire everyone to take better care of the environment.

At the centre of the sculpture is a proud figure of Mother Earth. Her dress, made entirely from plastic bags, chip packets, and other common waste, serves as a reminder of the serious problems caused by littering and land pollution. The dress represents how even small actions, like throwing away a snack wrapper incorrectly, can add up to major damage to the earth.

Another key part of the sculpture is Mother Earth’s afro, which represents the Atlantic Ocean by featuring sea creatures tangled in fishing lines and signs of oil spills. This detail not only honours the African roots of the learners who built the sculpture but also highlights the problems the ocean and its inhabitants are facing due to human activity.

Above her head, Mother Earth wears a crown made of factories. This symbolises the pollution and greenhouse gases released by industries, which make climate change worse. The crown serves as a reminder that industrial activities often come at the cost of the planet’s health.

To build this powerful sculpture, the learners used items like chicken wire, newspapers, plastic bags, cardboard, fishing lines, fishing nets, and plastic bottles. By turning these discarded materials into art, they show how waste can be used in meaningful ways and encourage people to think about how they impact the environment.

The Mother Earth sculpture challenges viewers to reflect on how they treat the planet and pushes for more sustainable habits. It’s a reminder that every small action matters and that we all have a role to play in protecting the Earth.