THE Wyebank Secondary School Water Warriors – Mthobisi Xulu and Sharen Ramsunder – won the Water and Food Youth (WAF) Award, which included a trophy, a certificate and a cheque for €1 000 at the Global Water and Food Conference and Awards Presentation in Malaysia.
All participating counties were requested by Global Action Plan, a UK-based environmental organisation, to submit nominations for their Water Explorers global project competition. WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) nominated Wyebank Secondary by submitting its projects with photos.
The two pupils, accompanied by their teacher, Mrs Selvaranie Naicker (Wyebank eco school co-ordinator) said South Africa was the only country in Africa to have pupils present at the overseas conference.
Mrs Naicker said that the pupils had never expected the event to be as high profile as it was and were touched by the great care and kindness they were shown during their week-long stay in Kuala Lampur.
Mthobisi said that the trip was beyond his expectations, as they stayed in a five-star resort and spa, and he couldn’t believe how modern Malaysia is. Sharen added, “I couldn’t believe that our small efforts had such a huge impact and am absolutely thrilled to have brought back the prize money.
“I am in awe of our accomplishment as an under-funded and under-resourced public school. Hard work and going the extra mile really did pay off in the accolades we received,” said Naicker.
The money is going towards their much-needed school hall project. After 40 years in existence, Wyebank Secondary has finally embarked on building a school hall. Any assistance would be appreciated. Contact Dr Govender on 031 711 0401.
