School pupils embarck on elephant walk
KENNETH Stainbank Nature Reserve in Yellowwood Park played host its first 'elephant walk' on Tuesday, 10 September.
Sixty-seven pupils of Victory Primary School in Tongaat took part in a youth development programme aimed at reconnecting youngsters with the natural environment. The programme revolves around the Global Matriarchal Earth Ambassador for the Human Elephant Foundation, Nomkhubulwane, which is a life-size elephant sculpture created by Andries Botha. Constructed out of recycled truck tyres, she stands at 2.7 metres and weighs in at 1,300kg. Named by the founder of the Wilderness leadership School, Dr Ian Player, she is named for the goddess of rain, nature and fertility.
She was first launched at the World Wilderness Congress in Mexico in November 2009. Between January 2010 and 2011, she migrated across North America as an ambassador for creative possibilities within the physical world. From there she graced the shores of Hague before landing at the headquarters of the Wilderness Leadership School in Stainbank Nature Reserve.
In the reserve’s first ‘elephant walk’, pupils were asked to write their thoughts, concerns and wishes for the future and the environment. The messages ranged from issues including poaching, the cutting down of trees, rape and care for the aged. The messages will be used to foster programmes in schools and will be compiled into a book.
