uMhlanga youngster champions the environment
Studies have shown beach clean-ups raise public awareness to the threat of pollution and this has proven true for Romario Valentine.
WHEN it comes to championing the environment, one need not look further than uMhlanga eco-champ, Romario Valentine. The 8-year-old has been actively involved in beach clean-ups for the last two years where he picks up rubbish at uMhlanga beach.
Studies have shown beach clean-ups raise public awareness to the threat of pollution more effectively than education programmes and this has proven true for Valentine.
The Grade 3 learner at Reddam House Umhlanga said through his parents, who he looks up to, and through him picking up litter, he is now more mindful of how he gets rid of litter.
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“I feel very strongly about the environment. Over the December period I filled bags of rubbish I found on the beach. There were just so many cigarette butts and plastic bottles and sometimes, beer bottles which had been buried in the sand. Some people have stopped me and encouraged me when they see me clean-up and I hope to inspire other people to do the same,” the youngster explained.
Valentine said he feels he is making a difference.
“Whatever I pick up doesn’t end up in the ocean and hurt the environment so I feel I’ve done a good job. My mom and dad are my biggest influences, they also care deeply for the environment and have inspired me to continue picking up litter,” the Umhlanga Rox Surf Lifesaving club member said.
The young eco-champ does a clean-up at least once every week and intends to hold one more clean-up before school opens.
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