More than 30 children from the Stanger Training Centre spent the day at the WESSA Twinstreams Education Centre in Mtunzini learning all about trees.
The grade six to 12 special needs pupils along with five teachers took part in the Trees4KZN project, a conservation initiative spearheaded by NPO, Blue Sky Society Trust.
The group were taught about the importance of protecting South Africa’s indigenous forests and were guided through an interpretive trail forest study, learned about the key role forests and trees play in sustaining all life on Earth, and how they serve crucial cultural, ecological, social and economic functions.
The WESSA education programme spans over 12 months and includes the planting of 20 indigenous trees at the school to create a biodiversity garden that will serve as a learning tool.
works on the frontlines of
conservation.
All this was made possible after the Umhlanga Women Achievers group raised more than R40 000 for Blue Sky Society Trust’s Trees4KZN initiative last year, and the Stanger Training Centre was selected for the year-long programme at WESSA.
As an eco-school for the past 12-years, the Stanger Training Centre has been empowering young minds to create positive sustainable impact for the planet’s future.
WESSA Education Centre’s general manager Matthew Cocks said the enthusiasm, passion and creativity that nature brings out of the youth, results in active citizens who are willing to stand up and be heard.
“As the future leaders and environmentalists of this country, the children need to be educated about the current environmental issues facing our natural resources, and then be empowered to take control of these issues,” said Cocks. Blue Sky Society Trust founder Carla Geyser said education is the cornerstone of addressing environmental concerns.
“The earth is being destroyed by deforestation, pollution, overpopulation and climate change. It is vital that we reconnect children with nature and teach them why it’s important to look after their one and only ‘home.’
“We are aiming to plant 1 000 trees each year as part of our Trees4KZN project and would love more corporates, individuals and associations to come on board,” said Geyser.
Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our WhatsApp broadcast service.
Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
