After living in a Ugandan community affected by poverty, war, and the mysterious Nodding disease, Ruganzu Tusingwire sought to improve the lives of the local youth with an innovative eco-art project. Using recycled water bottles as a construction tool, Tusingwire was able to artistically impact the lives of people around him through an environmental playground.

Crediting KONY 2012 with bringing a spotlight to his hometown, bearing witness to this kind of suffering led Tusingwire to rethink his approach to his calling: “I shifted from doing artwork to just hang on walls, having little influence on society, to doing art that solves community needs. It’s helped me realize my value to society.” Tusingwire recently became the first TED Prize recipient of 2012 in Doha, Qatar at the TEDxSummit.

Art is unifying. We can use what is around us to create treasure, employment opportunities, and make the environment better. There is a wonderful world of possibilities before us.

Hear more about the creative process below, and get building.

– Rachel