It consists of 18 members, 10 of which are called eco-guides. The community-based information centre provides computer training for women and girls and business training around their community. They also provide environmental education and awareness by running workshops and cleaning campaigns.
The centre’s chairman, Ishmael Sephiri, said the organisation recently hosted a wetlands celebration under the organisation’s lifestyle department, to educate young people and the community about the importance of looking after wetlands and highlighting the challenges South Africa faces with water shortages. He explained, “As an organisation we chose to focus on wetlands as we have the Kaalspruit River running near the community of Ivory Park, and the river is in a very bad state. We also partner with the City of Johannesburg on some of the projects we take part in.”
Sephiri mentioned that the centre also hosts exhibitions which include waste management.
On 17 March the centre will host a clean-up at Themba Khoza informal settlement.
Details: Community members interested in volunteering as eco-guides or sheriffs can e-mail riendzo1@gmail.com
How important is it to preserve the environment? Tell us on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page
