Grade 11 learners at KwaNotshelwa High School have taken the initiative to improve waste management at their school and revamp the existing school garden.

Tourism lessons inspire environmental action

The project was inspired by a topic in their Tourism curriculum, ‘Sustainable and Responsible Tourism’, which tackles the importance of protecting the environment and maintaining clean surroundings for visitors to a country, city or town.

Tourism teacher Miss Makathini said she wanted to make the subject more practical.

“I love making my subject practical for the learners outside the classroom. We then decided to deal with the issue of waste at our school, which was having a negative impact on its image.”

Learners tackle litter and illegal dumping

The Grade 11 learners helped clear litter from the area in front of the school, while Grade 10 learners took responsibility for collecting litter every morning and after break.

Makathini said the surrounding community had created an illegal dumping site next to the school, resulting in unhygienic conditions.

“It was very unhygienic and unhealthy, so the learners and I rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up the rubbish. We would like residents living around the school to help keep the premises clean and show care for the environment as well.”

School garden revamped with 110 vegetable seeds

The learners also participated in Agritourism activities, where they were encouraged to plant trees and establish gardens. Makathini explained that ‘greening’ forms part of the Tourism syllabus and encourages learners to understand the value of gardening and environmental sustainability.

As part of the initiative, the learners revamped the school’s existing garden and planted 110 seeds of different vegetables, including cabbage, spinach, beetroot, lettuce and green pepper.

The vegetables are expected to benefit learners in need and supply the school’s nutritional feeding scheme.

Teacher praises learners for their commitment

Makathini thanked the learners for their hard work, commitment and determination in carrying out the waste management and gardening projects.

“My learners are very intelligent. They contributed their skills, especially in the garden, and some of them would love to pursue careers in the agricultural sector.”

She also expressed her gratitude to school principal Mr Masango and subject adviser Dr Nkumane for supporting the initiatives.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.