Organisations help school maintain green environment by planting trees
Twenty indigenous trees were planted, including the tree of the year, the Olive Sagewood.
The Myezo Growth Development Institute (MGDI), Lantern Learning and Ilanga E-waste Management did their part in maintaining a green and eco-friendly environment in Benoni by planting trees at Rynsoord Primary School on September 22.
The tree planting formed part of the country’s Arbor Month celebrations, with the MGDI donating 20 indigenous trees, including the national tree of the year, the Olive Sagewood, planted at the school’s administration building.
The organisation’s environmental scientist, Lyn Madziwanzira, said their objective was to educate the students about the importance and benefits of planting and nurturing trees.
They also wanted to promote and contribute towards the Presidential 10 Million Trees programme, which aims to plant 10 million trees in five years.
The organisation also wanted to contribute towards the UN’s decade on ecosystem restoration and the UN’s sustainable development goals. They, furthermore, wanted to raise awareness of the National Arbor Week objectives, which include combating climate change and achieving ecosystem restoration.
Addressing the learners, Madziwanzira stated their solution to air pollution and ecosystem degradation was by planting trees and promoting and creating collaborative communities of stakeholders where schools, the private sector and NPOs join hands in protecting the environment.
“One of the scientifically proven methods of mitigating air pollution includes planting trees through a process called carbon sequestration.
“Since trees utilise carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, planting more trees is an effective way of offsetting carbon dioxide emissions, thereby cleaning the atmosphere,” she said.
Madziwanzira also gave the learners a history of Arbor Day, saying it was first observed in 1872 in the US, but South Africa celebrated it since September 1983.
Ilanga EWaste, dedicated to eradicating electronic waste from homes, businesses and landfills, donated three recycling bins to the school.
“This initiative aimed at raising awareness among learners, teachers and the community about protecting the environment and promoting responsible disposal of electronic waste. By managing E-waste responsibly, we contribute to a greener, cleaner future for ourselves and the generations to come,” said Ilanga’s sales representative, Simba Mazana.
The principal, Nalini Chinappa, thanked the organisations for their positive contribution. The school also celebrated Heritage Day with learners and educators dressed in various heritage outfits.
They recited poems in various languages, honoured cultural groupings through dance and song and mesmerised the crowd with a play on the history of AmaZulu King, Shaka Zulu.
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