Melissa cares about our environment
Born, raised and still living in the small villlage of Drummond, Melissa strives to make a difference in the world.
MISS Earth SA regional semi finalist, Melissa Schreiber (24) considers herself an Eco Warrior, Animal Activist and Daughter of God.
Miss Earth SA is anything but a pageant, it is a leadership programme where young women are equipped to teach communities about the environment and the importance of preserving and protecting it as well as everyone depending on it.
Born, raised and still living in the small villlage of Drummond, Melissa strives to make a difference in the world.
“I want to teach people that if you just have courage and be kind it can make an incredible difference. Miss Earth is a perfect opportunity and platform from which to teach communities that nature is good,” she said.
Besides being a graphic designer, Schreiber spends her time assisting the Dr Mike Hardwich Foundation an organisation which sterilizes pets belonging to the underprivileged communities of KZN.
Schreiber visited Intongela Primary School in Inchanga, KZN, to teach the children about the importance of trees during National Environment week.
“I wanted the children to feel they were a part of the environmental upliftment of their school and feel a sense of accomplishment which would encourage them to then nurture the trees from this day onwards.
“The Grade 7 girls of Intongela Primary School were very interested in the fact that an entire fruit-bearing tree could be grown from one small seed.” They painted cups made of yoghurt and feta containers, tins, plastic juice bottles and other items.
“The seeds were suspended with toothpicks and watered. She taught them about looking after the seed and when to plant it. Each girl was also given a worksheet repeating each step of germination to take home. This activity highlights the 2016 theme for Miss Earth SA which is #WasteStopsWithMe as well as leaning towards the idea of food security within the community.
The Grade 7 boys had the task of planting 10 trees on the school grounds that were donated by Dr Mike Lowry – Fig trees, Flat Crowns and Boer Beans.
“I have to commend Skhumbuzo Mchunu, he was always the first pupil in line to dig and help with the trees. He was my star,”said Melissa.
Miss Earth South Africa is scheduled to be announced in September.
