St Benedict’s College schoolboy fights rodent infestation with barn owl boxes at Marlboro Secondary School

St Benedict’s College’s Grade 9 schoolboy Kavin Kassie recently identified an urgent community problem for his life orientation project: The control of a rodent infestation at Marlboro Secondary School.

Read more: Students relate all things beneficial about owls
His solution was a unique, nature-based approach to pest management involving the installation of owl boxes as a sustainable method to control rodents in areas where rat poison poses significant dangers to both children and animals.

Inspired by a recent article highlighting the tragic consequences of accidental rat poison ingestion, Kavin reached out to the non-profit organisation, owlproject.org, which supports the use of barn owls as natural rodent control.
With their support, Kavin’s initiative led to the installation of owl boxes at Marlboro Secondary School on November 1. His aim was to promote safer pest management methods while also providing safe homes for owls who play a crucial role in rodent control in the natural ecosystems.
Kavin then met Motlatsi Zulu, a dedicated teacher at Marlboro Secondary School, and together they discussed the cultural myths and negative perceptions surrounding owls, with Zulu stressing how the educational programmes by owlproject.org have been instrumental in dispelling these misconceptions.

Also read: Have fun making this colourful felt owl craft today

With their efforts, learners now understand that owls are valuable to their environment and serve as natural predators to rats, thereby reducing reliance on hazardous rodenticides. One learner even admired the owls saying: ‘Owls are cute!’, which was a heartening example of how young people’s perspectives on wildlife are changing.
The owl boxes installed at the school will house a barn owl, a species highly effective in rodent control as these owls hunt primarily for rodents. This installation represents a safe and sustainable alternative to poison.

Kavin hopes this initiative will inspire others to consider similar solutions in their communities, particularly where rodent issues are prevalent and pose health risks to children.
In recognition of their efforts, owlproject.org presented both Kavin, and a student representative from Marlboro Secondary School, Adivhalo Mokakatleng, with certificates of appreciation and, ‘I give a hoot’ t-shirts, to celebrate their commitment to safe and sustainable rodent control measures.

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Related article: Crafting with kids: Create an owl with an acorn