GEEK promotes environmental education
A Durban resident's misfortune encourages her to form an NPO in order to address animal superstition and conservation.
DURBAN resident, Kate Holden, has recently launched a non-profit organisation (NPO) Green Education Equals Knowledge and Know How (GEEK) in the hopes of facilitating national conservation and environmental education.
The self proclaimed animal lover lived overseas for 12 years where she worked as a dancer, but recently returned to South Africa after suffering an injury.
Instead of focusing on her misfortune, Holden realised that this was the perfect opportunity for her to pursue a career in environmental education.
“I have always loved animals, but this was the perfect time to pursue my passion. I realised that this was what I was meant to do, as I have been a teacher, a dance teacher and scuba diving instructor, so this was a natural progression,” said Holden.
“While travelling in Singapore and Thailand I saw a lot of terrible things being done to animals, mainly due to a lack of education,” added Holden.
With a new dream and purpose Holden returned to the UK to pursue a masters degree in conservation and bio-diversity at the University of Exeter.
Holden knew that there was a lot of conservation work and education needed in South Africa. This need encouraged her to start her own NPO.
“I approached the Department of Education with the idea of my project and within nine months my NPO was formed. It has a very broad spectrum. We hope to tackle various superstitions regarding lizards, owls, vultures cats, and so on.
”The aim is also to educate children on environmentalism, sustainable gardening and conservation,” said Holden.
According to Holden, the NPO will also focus on education on the three Rs – reuse, recycle and reduce.
People who would like to assist with this project may phone Kate Holden on 076 916 0218 or kateholden101@hotmail.com.
