What is “Aa Ehcheh: Challenging Plastics”?

A TV show where kids pitch innovative solutions to the single use plastic problem and get to build and test prototypes of their idea.

Why was this TV show created?

As an effort to explore the innovative and inventive minds of children in addressing and combating the plastic waste crisis and bring to the public their thoughts and solutions on this issue.

How does the TV show work?

Five groups will be selected from the pitches submitted and each episode will show one team’s journey from presenting their pitch, building the prototype to testing the prototype. Audiences can vote for their favorite innovations.

What is the age range to take part in the TV show?

10-16 years old (Must turn 16 by 1st January 2025).

How many members can be in a team?

Each team can have 2-3 participants.

Where can the information session presentation be found?

You can access the information presentation slides from our website.

How do you submit your pitch?

The pitch has to be submitted by filling an online google form. Each team can submit one form.

There are 2 sections of the form:

• Information about your pitch idea.

• Information about the team members.

Optionally teams can upload additional material to support the pitch in other formats such as a video, concept or model pictures. The maximum file size for the submission of your pitch diagram/drawing is 1GB. Accepted file formats for the submission are JPEG, PNG, and PDF. 

What is the selection criteria for the TV show?

There are four main criteria:

• Creativity and Innovation.

• Functionality/Practicality.

• Need: Is there a need for it?

• Relevance to the theme: AIR.

The selection criteria is provided in detail in the submission guide.

What is the Parley AIR strategy?

Parley AIR is the strategy to end the fast-growing threat of marine plastic pollution and help drive solutions to the climate crisis. It includes the following three components:

• AVOID plastic wherever possible.

• INTERCEPT plastic waste.

• REDESIGN materials, methods, and thinking.

The details of each component is given in the submission guide. At least one of the components should align with the pitch sent to us.

Will the needed materials for the prototype be provided?

Yes, SIGS will be covering all costs related to building the prototype and taking part in the show.

Do you have to appear on television if you are selected for the TV show?

Yes, each team will appear in a total of two episodes. One episode will show the journey of the team and the second episode is the final episode where all the teams will be present in an audience setting.

What language should be used in the TV show?

Dhivehi will be the primary language used for the show. Both Dhivehi and English can be accommodated.

Where will the TV show take place?

The TV show will take place in Maldives. Primary filming will take place in the location of the participating teams. For teams outside Male’, SIGS will be traveling to respective islands for filming. Additionally, all teams will have to be in Male’ for two studio filming sessions. All related travel expenses will be covered by the show.

Do teams have to do all the work on their own?

We encourage teams to get help from family and community. Additionally, SIGS will also provide mentors during the prototype development.

How will the best 3 teams get selected?

Through the judging panel and based on public voting.

Who can I contact for further information?

Zara Athif (Research Assistant): ra@sigsmaldives.org

Mizna Mohamed (Director, Science and Innovation): pm@sigsmaldives.org

You can also join the TV show viber community by scanning the code on our website.