Matric learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort gave back to the community by engaging in a successful cleanup campaign at the Lockies Lane Park at the corner of Lockies and Goldman Streets on Wednesday, August 6.

The park, once a jewel in the crown of Florida, has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years, the once beautiful water fountain and pond now dry and filled with refuse.and the old pump house now frequently occupied by vagrants.

According to Roodies headboy Sanay Ramsammy, who also founded Everyday Kindness, a charitable foundation focused on imparting kindness on every sector of the community, the cleanup was the class of 2025’s final official community outreach before prelim exams.

“I met with John Kirsten, the chairperson of the Florida Block Watch (FBW), and Neil van Jaarsveld, a former Roodie and FBW member, and discussed a practical project that would make a big difference.

“Together we decided on the cleanup of Lockies Lane Park.”

The group of 26 matric learners, accompanied by three dedicated teachers, descended on the park shortly after school.

After a short safety briefing, learners donned protective gloves donated by the FBW, scouring the park armed with refuse bags, rakes, and other tools.

Learners worked together in groups to collect litter, clean up the ponds, and refresh the gardens, leaving the park looking clean, green, and renewed.

“This marked the school’s first Power Clean-Up,” says Sanay. “I hope it is not the last.

“Clean-ups are an effective way for us to make a real difference in our community.”