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The Creative Use of Trash | David Onuh | TEDxJewels Leading Lights Youth

This talk, The Creative Use of Trash, by David Onuh, explores a powerful question: What if what we throw away—objects, people, even ideas—could become our greatest source of value?In this gripping and insightful TEDx talk, David invites us to see the world through a different lens—one where creativity is not about having more but about reimagining what we already have. Drawing from stories, art, and personal reflections, he shows how discarded materials can be transformed into masterpieces and how forgotten people can rise when given the right kind of attention.But this talk is about more than recycling bottles or sculpting from scrap. It’s about human potential. It’s about innovation born from limitation. It’s about hope in broken places. David is an academically outstanding 16-year-old Year 12 learner known for his humility, resilience, and remarkable all-round performance. As the Overall Best Student from 2019 to 2024 and the School Governor for the 2023/2024 academic session, he combines sharp intellect with a calm leadership style. A gold medalist in swimming and a member of the winning 4×100m relay team, David is as accomplished in athletics as he is in academics. His Mega Jewels Award project, which supported the education of underprivileged children, showcases his compassion and sense of purpose. David continues to lead with quiet excellence and a commitment to impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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