Durban schools top national competition
Schools in Durban took three top positions in a national competition that aims to raise awareness on combating climate change.
THREE schools from Durban made it to the Top 10 of the Cartoon Network Climate Champions Schools Initiative. Headed by international cartoon channel, Cartoon Network, the campaign empowers children aged 6 to 12 in 250 schools in all nine provinces in South Africa to combat climate change.
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The campaign was inspired by a recent Cartoon Network survey revealing that 94% of South African children are concerned about climate change, 95% want to take action to address it and 90% are eager to learn more about the issue.
The initiative provided schools with weekly themes on crucial environmental issues such as recycling, energy conservation, plant life, plastic pollution and e-waste. Engaging content, including facts, videos, quizzes and challenges, helped teachers integrate climate change topics into their classrooms.
Students actively participated in activities like rainwater harvesting, clothing recycling and climate-focused presentations. Schools also submitted photos and videos of these activities for a chance to win weekly eco-friendly prizes.
The three schools from Durban that made it into the Top 10 are:
Atholl Heights Primary School in Westville took home first place with their charismatic recycling mascot, Penelope the Penguin. This student-built creation, crafted from recycled materials, embodies the school’s dedication to recycling and climate change education. Penelope serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of climate change on vulnerable species like penguins. The project showcased the students’ creativity, dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on their school community.
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Rosehill Primary School in Durban North was in second place with its multifaceted approach to sustainability. Already known for its environmental stewardship, the school created a vibrant garden oasis built entirely from recycled materials. Students crafted functional items like a water-saving irrigation system from recycled bottles and earbuds, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity. The project extended beyond the garden, inspiring students to create practical items, like pencil holders from recycled materials, and fostering a school-wide culture of reducing, reusing and recycling.
Alipore Primary School in Durban South earned third place by tackling both food insecurity and sustainability with their innovative, ‘Alipore Primary Big Build’ project. Inspired by the Climate Champions Challenge, students constructed a vertical vegetable garden using recycled 5-litre bottles. This initiative not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce for the school and community but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility and community spirit among the students.
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Monika Oomen, VP of brand, communications, and digital content strategy for Kids EMEA at Warner Bros Discovery, said that Cartoon Network is passionate about the power of small, everyday actions to create significant global impact.
“The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative has been instrumental in inspiring teachers and students to delve into, debate about and actively address climate change.”
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