How Duncan Ward and his team are building schools with recycled plastic waste

In early 2021, Duncan Ward took a trip to South-East Asia in search of purpose in his life. A chance meeting with Cambodian man, Racky, was one that would change the course of his life and a promise was made to help improve the education system and provide children with quality education. 

Classroom of Hope was born. 

250 million children worldwide can’t read or write, and approximately 130 million girls are denied their right to education. And Duncan Ward is on a mission to change this. 

A passionate innovator, Duncan was born and raised in South Africa. He spent 17 years working as a Network Engineer and Management Consultant before turning his back on corporate life to lead Classroom of Hope. 

The organisation works with local governments to build classrooms. But these aren’t just any classrooms. They’re built using blocks made out of recycled plastic waste to create a truly circular economy. Construction is fast and the buildings can withstand natural disasters that are becoming more common due to climate change. What’s more, is they have plans to use these blocks for disaster relief and to build homes as well. 

Notes:

Classroom of Hope website: https://classroomofhope.org/

Book: Half The Sky by Nicholas D Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn

Website: Project Drawdown

Film: Poverty Inc

SDGs: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

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