Plastic Recycling Project Lays Foundation for New Workshop

At ICS Addis, students are transforming plastic waste into a powerful force for change.

Our Middle School recently launched the Alem (ዓለም) Plastic Recycling Initiative, an innovative project combining sustainability, service learning, and entrepreneurial education. Alem, meaning "world" in Amharic, reflects the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its strategic goal of fostering global responsibility.

The initiative begins with students collecting plastic waste from across the campus. You will find bins strategically placed around campus where you can deposit your plastic waste, which will then be sent to Kubik, a pioneering organization that converts plastic into building materials. These bricks and columns will be used to construct a dedicated workshop on campus, serving as the hub for Alem’s recycling efforts.

In this space, students will design and create products from recycled plastic, which they will sell at the school market. Revenue generated will be reinvested in the Service as Action program, Metebaber, enabling further community-focused projects.

Through Alem, ICS students are gaining hands-on experience in sustainability and social entrepreneurship while contributing to meaningful change.

Middle School Design Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator Marc Francis is helping students spearhead the project.

“This project is about more than recycling,” Marc said. “It’s about empowering students to take ownership of their learning and make a real impact on their community.”

The Alem initiative is a shining example of how ICS Addis fosters innovation, collaboration, and action to build a more sustainable world—starting right here on campus.