School girls raise money for rhino

In order to help in the fight against rhino poaching, two Reddam House pupils came up with a plan to raise money for the cause.

When Rhino SA visited the school for a talk, Jaimé Rademeyer and Alexa Ferreira, both in Grade 4, were touched and decided to do something before it is too late.

10-year-old Jaimé asked her friend, artist Ms Clair Attewell, if she would create a special piece for them to raffle at the school in order to raise funds.

During the third term break, Ms Attewell produced a piece which could not be raffled due to provisions contained in the National Gambling Act and Lotteries Act.

The girls asked their parents to email all their friends to bid for the painting, after which they started receiving donations rather than bids. Within two weeks, Jaimé had raised R4 000 and Alexa found a buyer for the same amount.

Jaimé, who enjoys swimming, drama and dancing when not fundraising, wants to grow up to be a politician.

“I helped the rhino because it inspired me to make a difference in the world. If nobody helps them, our children will never see a real rhino,” she added.

Alexa said she loves rhinos because they are beautiful animals. She enjoys art, swimming, music and playing with her friends.

“I fear that in five years there will be no rhino left. We must save them so that our future children can also enjoy them. So save the rhino,” she said.

By October this year, 899 rhino had been killed.

Ms Irene Huysamen, the chairperson of non-profit organisation Green Wall of Africa S.E.E. Projects, under which Rhino SA falls, was moved by the girls’ determination and recognised their efforts with a certificate each for their passion and dedication.

The pupils handed over the R8 000 cheque to the organisation.

Rhino SA is an outreach and awareness initiative aimed at educating the youth about the unmitigated and ongoing slaughter of SA rhinos, and actively involves young people in rhino conservation and heritage preservation.

Details: www.rhinosa.co.za.