Little Turtles from Haria
Plastic waste gains value
Anita Matauseja works at daycare center MIK Spelenderwijs in Scharn – Maastricht. She came up with a plan to teach toddlers, from a very young age, the value of caring for nature and their living environment. MIK Spelenderwijs supports this in words and in action—and has also made funding available for it. In March of this year, Anita ordered 100 little turtles from Bentol Hattu in Haria. He makes them from plastic waste using a mold made by Plastic Fantastic in the Netherlands.
Why little turtles? On the islands of Haruku, Saparua, and Nusalaut, most beaches have been excavated in recent years so the sand can be used as building material. It’s very likely this is the case on many more small islands. As a result, sea turtles can no longer lay their eggs on the beaches. They are disappearing. We still saw with our own eyes in 1998 how it worked. Too sad that it’s now only memories. That’s why we’re taking initiatives to limit further decline of this beautiful nature wherever we can.
Daycare and after-school care Scharn
Anita’s letter to the parents of the children at the daycare:
Dear parents,
During our summer celebration of 2024, the theme of the environment and awareness was central. Together with the children, we learned about plastic waste—and especially about pollution in the South Moluccas. Thanks to your contribution, we were able to do wonderful activities with Happy Green Island / Toma Majo Lease.
With this money, colorful little turtles were made on the island of Saparua, crafted from recycled plastic collected from the local beaches. These little “pots” have now arrived here! 🐢
Our after-school care (BSO) children now use the turtle pots as playing pieces in a homemade board game—a playful continuation of a truly special sustainable project.
Local economy
Bentol and four of his friends from the sector worked on it for four nights. At night, because curious young people won’t watch over their shoulders then—and their method stays their own secret. They see a livelihood in it. Chacha Wattiheluw paid immediately. Cash on the barrel. That way, everyone is happy! A real win-win 🙂
The collaboration between the community in Haria and Anita strengthens the motivation to keep thinking about what you can do with waste. It provides proof that waste has value—so it’s better not to throw it into the sea anymore, or burn it. It’s a slow process, and initiatives like this help enormously.
Thank you, Anita!
The children at the daycare and after-school care Scharn learn more about the waste problem in the Moluccas. At the same time, they learn about who Moluccans are and where they come from. That also creates more mutual understanding. Happy Green Islands is happy to contribute to that! TOP project, Anita. A brilliant idea! Good luck with your activities!
Moving forward in Haria
This week, Happy Green Islands started an action to get the residents of Haria moving. This Christmas season, many people from the diaspora are expected back in the village. Together with a number of green friends, we’re trying to welcome them into a village that is free of plastic waste. In the meantime, many houses have been painted, the roads have been resurfaced, new fences have been built along the roads—and painted too. Many little lights along the roads, and beautiful Christmas trees and nativity scenes have been built. Check the social media. It’s truly unbelievable how beautiful the village looks right now. But… still no clean-up actions. Still no clean village. That’s what we’re focusing on now! Follow our updates on social media and help out!
Is this something for you too—if you’re on Saparua anyway for a holiday or family visit—to help make living conditions here a little better? Our home base, Paparisa TML, is ready for you. You can stay there and carry out activities. Plenty of space 🙂
Do you want to collaborate with us or volunteer? You can sign up here!
