The Electronic Waste Hero

Illustration of RJ holding a repaired gadget surrounded by children collecting e-waste into a recycling bin.

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

The Electronic Waste Hero

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Country: Indonesia

Author: Benny Rhamdani

Illustrator: Kautsar Riina Arifin

Ages: 8-10

Publisher: Noura Books (courtesy Room to Read)

Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

RJ loved gaming. But when his devices broke, he simply replaced them. Soon, he noticed a growing pile of discarded electronics at home. “Where should all this e-waste go?” he wondered. That one question sparked a transformation. In 2016, RJ launched E-waste RJ Community, starting with his family, then friends. Together they began collecting old electronics and sending them to proper recycling centers. What started in his home soon spread to neighborhoods and cities beyond. The story proves that you don’t need to be an adult to lead change. Whether it’s recycling, reusing, or repairing, every action counts. RJ’s journey reminds us that caring is the first step toward a cleaner, healthier planet. Based on a true story RJ received the Ashoka Young Changemaker award.

Themes

Environment & Conservation

STEAM

Sub Themes

Waste Reduction

Recycling Methods

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

- Understand the growing problem of electronic waste and its harmful effects.
- Learn how individual actions, like sorting and recycling, can contribute to environmental solutions.
- Be inspired by a real-life peer to take initiative and lead change.
- Reflect on their own consumption habits and how to be more responsible tech users.

Activities

1. Audit Your E-Stuff – Students create a list of unused or broken electronic items at home and discuss what can be reused or responsibly recycled.
2. Poster-Making – Create a “Don’t Trash Tech!” campaign poster to raise awareness in your school or neighborhood.
3. Mini Research Project – Investigate where e-waste goes in your country and present findings.
4. Creative Writing Prompt – Write your own story about a tech-loving hero who saves the environment.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

- What happens to old phones, chargers, or computers when we throw them away?
- Have you or someone in your home ever recycled electronics?
- Why do you think waste from electronics is different from regular garbage?

During reading

- How does RJ feel about his gaming setup at the beginning of the story?
- What makes him realize there’s a problem?
- What steps does RJ take to solve it?

After reading

- What is e-waste and why is it dangerous?
- What inspired RJ to take action instead of waiting for adults to fix the problem?
- What can you do at home or school to reduce e-waste?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities

By inspiring community clean-up and safe disposal efforts, RJ makes his neighborhood more sustainable and aware.

SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production

RJ promotes responsible use and recycling of electronic items to reduce environmental harm.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

His actions help reduce pollution, contributing to climate action awareness.

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