WHILE there were mixed emotions when schools opened for 2014, learners at four South African schools were ecstatic at the announcement by FMCG giant Unilever that their schools had won the 2013 Omo liquid schools’ challenge.
Little People Montessori Pre-Primary School in Glenwood was one of the winners, along with Buccleuch Nursery School in Gauteng, Knysa Montessori School in the Western Cape and Verkenner Primary School in the Eastern Cape. They each won their share of R200 000 after collecting the greatest number of empty Omo and Skip liquid bottles over a three-month period.
The country-wide campaign, which attracted registrations from 501 schools, forms part of an ongoing educational drive by Unilever to empower children to be environmentally responsible.
Andrew Mysell, Marketing Manager, Omo said: “We received a total of 147 440 empty bottles back for recycling, which equates to filling up three and a half standard size swimming pools. This significantly reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and contributes to a more sustainable environment for future generations.”
“Our school was motivated by the fact that we could make a meaningful difference to the environment through our participation in the Omo campaign,” said Nadja Hunter, Principal of Little People Montessori Pre-Primary School.
The winning schools each received R25 000 worth of equipment towards upgrading their school facilities.
This year, the winning schools nominated an underprivileged school of their choice to receive an additional R25 000 to spend towards equipment or an upgrade to their school.
The winning class in each region was the recipient of a Toys”R”Us voucher to the value of R10 000.
Registrations are open for the 2014 Omo liquid schools campaign and the deadline for submissions is 14 February. Schools who wish to participate may call 087 350 1207, email info@omoschools.co.za or visit www.omoauto.co.za
