"No Time to WASTE": How the Nairobi Connect ISTA Festival Empowered Changemakers Through the Story of Flipflopi
By Robin Willis, International School of Kenya Theatre Teacher and ISTA Festival Host
In February 2025, the International School of Kenya in Nairobi hosted a powerful ISTA Connect Festival, which we named "No Time to WASTE." This unique theatre festival, which had participants from six international schools around Africa, transformed the traditional stage into a vibrant platform for global learning, using the incredible story of the Flipflopi boat to ignite a passion for environmental change in young minds.
ISTA Festivals are renowned for their immersive theatre experiences, grounding participants in story-based inquiry and fostering collaborative exploration. When we, the ISK team, began planning this festival, we wanted to use the power of theatre to connect our student participants with how they might use their talents and passions to make a positive impact in the world. The story of Flipflopi was the perfect example of this in action – a person with a particular set of skills noticing a problem in the world, and then using their skills and passions to make a positive change. It was our honor to be allowed to use the Flipflopi story as the creative starting point for our festival.
At the Nairobi festival, students had the unique opportunity to encounter the Flipflopi story firsthand, even engaging in a video call with the organization behind this groundbreaking vessel. This direct connection brought the abstract concept of plastic pollution to life, making it tangible and immediate for the young participants. Beyond the inspiring story of the Flipflopi, the festival actively engaged students in becoming changemakers. Workshops on "creating your own plastic art with Plastiki Rafiki" provided a hands-on experience of transforming waste into something new and beautiful, mirroring the spirit of the Flipflopi. Students learned practical recycling techniques, creating their own keychains from plastic, demonstrating that even small-scale efforts can contribute to a larger solution.
Through drama techniques, mixed-school ensembles, and the guidance of professional artists, students explored the themes of waste, responsibility, and the power of individual and collective action. The final performances were not merely theatrical showcases but thought-provoking and dynamic expressions of their newfound understanding and commitment.
The Nairobi Connect ISTA festival "No time to WASTE," with the Flipflopi at its heart, was more than just a theatre event. It was a catalyst for change, transforming students into active global learners and inspiring them to become the changemakers the world so urgently needs in the ongoing fight against plastic pollution. By weaving a compelling narrative with practical engagement and collaborative artistry, the festival truly demonstrated that when it comes to tackling waste, there is indeed "no time to WASTE" in empowering the next generation and in saving our planet.
