Waterberg Academy hoists flag high
Waterberg Academy in Vaalwater received a prestigious award for their environmental and sustainability projects at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) awards on Friday, March 1.
The headmaster, Pierre Labuschagne attended the annual Wessa Schools Programme Awards Ceremony in Polokwane where he, on behalf of the school, received the International Flag Decade of Involvement Award.
Looking after and caring for the environment has been a cornerstone at the school since its inception. The school has been part of Wessa’s Eco-Schools Programme for the past 15 years. Waterberg Academy has Platinum Status and acquired the most recent award in 2023 for the exceptional work done by the school in conserving the environment and for the remarkable initiatives they have embarked on.
Some of the projects the school is involved in are art projects where rocks, sand, leaves, and recycled materials are used instead of paint and crayons as well as Arbor Day activities where trees are planted. The school has also partnered with the Waterberg Research Support Centre.
Marelize Greyling of the center has visited the school on two occasions where she and young scientists taught the kids how to do arthropod sampling. In another project, the junior learners created their vegetable garden and built shelters out of recycled materials. Learners are also taught how to take care of animals.
The Waterberg Academy’s learners have dedicated themselves to the safeguarding of our natural heritage.
