Growing hope across Pondoland one tree at a time
Bringing trees, environmental learning and hope to schools in the Wild Coast.
Pondoland Pride celebrated Arbor Month by planting 60 spekboom trees at six schools across Pondoland from September 7 to 11.
Held under the theme ‘My Tree, My Oxygen’ the initiative, supported the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) Billion Trees Initiative, aimed to combine tree planting with environmental education.
The trees were sponsored by DFFE, with support from Thembelani Ntloko of the department.
The drive began at Bizana Secondary and Ntlakwe Secondary schools, followed by Mfolozi Primary and Little Eden Primary, Plangeni Combined and iThuba Wild Coast Community College.
At each school, learners were introduced to Arbor Month and educated on the importance of trees before being shown correct planting techniques.
Learners and school representatives then took part in planting the trees and were encouraged to water, protect and monitor them beyond the planting programme.
The final day at iThuba formed part of the school’s Spring Day programme and combined tree planting with environmental education, exploration and community clean-ups.
Younger learners explored their surroundings, while Grades 1 to 3 learned about flowering plants, including the Protea, South Africa’s national flower.
Grade 4 learners learned about the butterfly life cycle, while Grades 4 and 5 learners and educators walked towards the Mzamba River pedestrian suspension bridge to collect litter.
A fossil walk was held for Grade 6 learners, who explored the beach towards the caves while learning about fossils, plants, animals, rocks and rock pools. Grade 7 learners took part in a hike to Mphahlane.
The tree planting at iThuba was led by Pondoland Pride co-founder Ziyanda Tshutsha, while co-founder Mzolisi Madikizela led the Grade 7 hike.
Officials from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality also participated in the programme.
iThuba principal Tembakazi Makedama said environmental activities could help instill a love of nature and a sense of responsibility in young people.
Pondoland Pride thanked DFFE, particularly Ntloko, the participating schools, educators and learners, municipal officials and volunteers Balisa Tswane and Siviwe Sikrweqe for their support.
The organisation said the 60 trees represented a commitment to environmental responsibility and hopes to expand the programme to more schools and communities.
*Article by Nombini Zingisa Gono, Pondoland Pride co-founder.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
