In 2025, SMKS Kr. Solagratia Tongkaina launched a creative project called the “Trash Project”. This project was the result of a collaboration between NTTI (No-Trash Triangle Initiative), Thalassa Dive Resorts Indonesia, and our school.
Mrs. Simone C. Gerittsen, the managing owner of Thalassa and founder of the Kehidupan Anda Foundation, invited the students to Thalassa to learn with NTTI about the issue of plastic waste.
NTTI is an organization that aims to protect the coral triangle from plastic pollution. They gave an eye-opening presentation, showing us that trash is not just a problem, but also a chance to innovate.
After learning from NTTI, Mrs. Simone divided the students into 5 groups, each consisting of 10 people. Their task was to manage and process plastic waste at school, starting from collecting, washing, sorting, and finally turning it into useful products.
The project ran from May 16 to June 4, 2025, and ended with an exhibition on June 9, 2025. At the exhibition, students displayed their creations, such as tissue holders, bags, boats, calendars, key chains, small cabinets, and even dresses made from trash.
Through this activity, students learned that real action can start now—and it starts with us. With spirit and creativity, they proved that trash can be turned into something useful and beautiful for a cleaner future.