GREENWOOD PARK educator and youth leader, Brandon Taksing, is spearheading a beach clean-up initiative aimed at instilling environmental awareness and community responsibility among young learners.

Also read: Community urged to support knitathon in Durban North

The event, set to take place on Saturday, May 16, will run from early morning through to the afternoon at the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, in partnership with KZN Wildlife.

The initiative will bring together 60 learners, eight educators, members of Guardian Youth SA, and trained guides for a hands-on environmental experience.

Taksing said the idea for the clean-up was driven by growing concern about pollution along Durban’s coastline and within surrounding communities.

“The idea for this beach clean-up came from a growing concern about the amount of pollution we see along our local coastline in Durban. As someone who works closely with young students and the youth, I felt it was important to take action and use this as a teaching opportunity,” he said.

He noted that many learners spend most of their time in classrooms and rarely get the chance to witness environmental issues firsthand.

“Environmental awareness is vital because it shapes how the next generation treats and protects our planet. This initiative gives our students the opportunity to engage with each other and come together to learn and protect what is around us for the future.”

The clean-up will involve learners from three local schools: Greenwood Park Primary School, Columbia Primary School, and St. Michaels Primary School.

According to Taksing, the collaboration emerged through shared relationships among educators committed to youth development.

“I reached out to my educator friends teaching in nearby schools and shared my vision and purpose. The response was overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

On the day, learners will actively participate not only in collecting waste but also in sorting recyclables and raising awareness among the public.

As a Teen Coach and Community Youth Leader at Guardian Youth SA, Taksing emphasised the broader impact of such initiatives on youth development.

“Our main goal is to develop responsible, compassionate, and proactive young leaders within our schools and surrounding communities. Initiatives like the beach clean-up allow learners to engage in real-life community projects and understand that they have the power to influence change.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here