Start Small, Dream Big (SSDB) is a national initiative by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in Singapore. Launched in 2016, the initiative encourages preschools to embark on meaningful community projects that help young children develop empathy, values, and a strong sense of social responsibility. It inspires children to make a positive difference no matter how small their actions may seem, while nurturing big dreams about how they can contribute to the community and the world. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and interactive experiences, children learn important values such as compassion, teamwork, and responsibility.

PacificLight has been partnering with My First Skool to showcase their SSDB initiatives since 2021. For 2025, the project at MFS@Tampines GreenVerge adopted the theme “Turning Trash into Treasure,” where children creatively repurpose everyday waste into meaningful, functional, or artistic pieces. This collaboration continues to foster environmental awareness and encourage sustainable habits from a young age.

The children’s artworks were inspired by the idea that everyday waste can be transformed into something new and meaningful. Through hands-on activities such as making recycled paper and repurposing plastic bottles, they learned the full cycle of “reduce, reuse, recycle” and discovered how discarded materials can be given a second life. These projects nurtured both environmental awareness and creative expression, helping them see value in items that are often thrown away.

They also explored the possibilities of turning packaging materials and old clothes into playful and practical creations. From cardboard toys and bubble tea bag crafts to bags made from outgrown garments, the children learned to view waste as a resource. Each artwork reflects their growing appreciation for sustainability, creativity, and mindful consumption.