Young designers turn discarded waste into fashion in Burundi
Twelve participants trained with designer Manuela Minka before presenting collections made from materials including plastic waste and discarded mosquito nets.
A fashion show in Burundi brought clothing made from discarded materials to the runway after twelve young designers completed training with artist and designer Manuela Minka. The event, called “Kamenge Drop,” took place at the Kamenge Youth Centre in Bujumbura’s northern area.
The ten-day program formed part of Green Diplomacy Week. Participants developed their own collections using materials such as plastic waste and mosquito nets that had been thrown away, then presented the outfits at the show.
Minka described recycling as a way to transform objects by viewing them differently and emphasized protecting the Earth. Participant Arsène Irakoze said making clothing or other objects from discarded materials could provide a source of income.
The initiative comes as recycling remains limited in Burundi despite efforts to expand it. Some young people in the audience were also inspired to make things from waste and could imagine pursuing fashion careers.
