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Eco-friendly student Kiana Goyal has used her recycling skills to raise funds for Sneha’s recreation centre for children with special needs.
The 16-year-old donated BD120 to the Indian Ladies Association (ILA)-run centre through the sale of her upcycled goods.
She hopes her contribution will not only help children but also inspire others to do good and live more sustainably.
“I hope to educate people and show them that recycling is important,” said Kiana who studies in the New Millennium School.
She features her recycled goods and repotted plants @islandfloraplanters on Instagram.
“I’ve been into recycling since 2019,” she added. “The planet is important and all of us should give back in some way. I also want to show how easy it is to incorporate small things into your life making it more sustainable.”
Instead of tossing out old milk bottles and cartons, she is upcycling them into pots for plants. She has designed around 50 planters and garnered funds for Sneha through the sale of her work.
“Plastic items always get thrown away,” she continued. “We could make them reusable. That is what inspired me to start and I use old materials like laces and beads to decorate crates and wooden pallets too. I’ve planted and repotted a lot of plants such as Peace Lilies, Carisa Carpet, Herbs, Basil, Crotons, Snake plants and Jades, which can be found on my Instagram account.
“I will continue to raise funds and recycle for as long as I can. By donating to Sneha, I hope it helps them get better resources.”
Sneha, which started in 1987, provides a safe haven for children with special needs to acquire skills in functional literacy, self-help as well as in arts and crafts.
The ILA team is delighted with Kiana’s contribution and her mum Meeta, a research consultant for Real Estate and Market Intelligence, is proud of her efforts.
“Kiana is doing wonderful work for society,” said Meeta. “Change is not easy but we have to start from somewhere, so why not start from within yourself. As the saying goes, ‘charity begins from home’. Way to go Kiana. Your father Sanjay and I, as well as your sister, are very proud. Keep up the good work!”
