Local matriculant heading to Antarctica
Besides his love for conservation, Keaton is a badminton player and was awarded his national blazer last year.
Keaton Stansfeld, of Farrarmere, has been chosen as one of the five matriculants to join explorer Riaan Manser in Antarctica to learn more about sustainability, the diverse environment and conservation next month.
Stansfeld was part of the 10 matriculants from around the country who participated in the four-day Matrics In Antarctica (MIA) boot camp at Cape Nature’s Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve recently.
“I feel very grateful and privileged for being in the top five. I’m excited to go on this amazing journey that very few people get to experience,” Stansfeld, who attends Jeppe High School for Boys, told the City Times.
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“I’m also looking forward to seeing those who will be travelling alongside me because over the past week I’ve developed a close bond with these like-minded people and hope to learn more from them.”
They will embark on a six-day-all-inclusive Antarctic adventure where they will learn more about the Antarctic, exploring its beauty, hiking and taking part in science experiments, while also participating in litter initiatives.
The matriculants had to write an essay on how the environmental initiatives they undertake in their communities make a positive impact on the world and Antarctica.
Manser and his team, which included renowned Prof Jonathan Jansen, narrowed down the essays from the top 100 to the top five. Stansfeld was confident his essay would make it.
“I felt like my idea (a bicycle made for recycling) was achievable and easy and simple to put into place. I felt it would really benefit my community as well as those around me and provide employment. So my idea does not only help the environment but also helps people receive an income.”
Over the four days in the Cape, they took part in various workshops and activities, including stargazing, hiking and beach clean-up initiatives.
“I most definitely enjoyed the beach clean-up the most, although we were all upset that we had to leave some plastic as well as other litter behind because it was stuck under the rocks. I hope that in the future we won’t have to pick up litter off our beaches.”
Stansfeld explained his perception of the environment has changed because of this programme.
“The MIA programme has changed my perspective on life and environmental needs. I encourage all those that follow to also get involved in the MIA programme so the world can be greener and cleaner and we can say we have taken a step towards changing the future.”
He added that meeting Manser was a dream come true, as he is the one person who drives his passion for the environment.
“It was inspiring to meet Riaan, as he motivates me as well as the others to be better and to do better so that our world can be sustained for future generations.
“I have always had a passion for the environment. As a child, I would go outside and play in the puddles. I was always quite adventurous.”
His mother, Fiona, said Stansfeld is too adventurous and sometimes this terrifies her.
“I was incredibly surprised that he was in the top five. I only got to meet the top 10 on a live stream and they all seemed to be filled with a burning desire for change. Keaton is focused and determined, forever setting goals and working hard for what he achieves. He’s rather adventurous for my liking,” she said.
Besides his passion for the environment, Stansfeld can be found on the track running or court playing badminton and hockey.
“I have a passion for sport in general and badminton is one of my favourites, next to running and hockey. I hope to achieve more to better myself and others.
“I don’t like it when people say they don’t have time because I believe if you want something, you will make time for it. That’s what you have to do if you want the best,” Stansfeld concluded.
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