LA LUCIA Junior Primary School Grade Two learners recently demonstrated their commitment to protecting rhino populations by raising R75 000 for rhino conservation.
Jeanne Wilson’s class of Grade Twos, consisting of 21 learners, raised the funds for three conservation organisations, namely Rave Rhino, Warriors for Wildlife and Wear it Wild.
Wilson, the departmental head at the school and class teacher, said the learners also got a chance to witness two rhinos being dehorned at the Tala Game Reserve.
“I’ve always been passionate about rhino conservation. I even have a rhino on a bracelet I wear as well as a necklace. When I introduced myself to the class I look after, I like to share a bit about the things I love. When the class heard about rhino conservation, they wanted to raise funds to give back, which was such a wonderful, heartfelt response.
“We devised a plan that we would hold a fundraiser on World Rhino Day and sell little goodies, and all the money would then go towards rhino conservation. I also came across a lady who makes these beautiful crocheted rhino teddies, and we sold them at our fundraiser. Some of the learners also did some artwork, and through sales on the day, we raised a whopping R15 000,” Wilson explained.
The fundraising success of the school did not go unnoticed, however, and Jeanne was contacted by Wildcon Events.
“They informed me that there were two rhinos, a mommy and its baby, that needed to be dehorned in Tala Game Reserve. They asked if we would be interested in bringing the class, which was such an amazing opportunity. We just needed to raise R50 000. We put the word out, and three sponsors from outside the school, alongside parents and the whole of the school, managed to raise the amount, which was a phenomenal effort. In fact, our school participated in a campaign called Wear it Wild for the WWF,” Wilson explained.
In 2014, the reserve lost three rhinos to poaching, and Mphila, the mommy rhino, was severely injured but survived and went on to have two calves.
“The money we raised went towards three organisations which included Rave Rhino. They are a non-profit company (NPC) that protects black and white rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal. They work alongside Tala Game Reserve, and it was a privilege, not only learning about the work they carry out but also being able to touch and see the rhinos first-hand on the day. The class absolutely loved it, and I feel it really brought home a sense of how important rhinos are,” she said.
According to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, conservation and anti-poaching efforts have intensified countrywide in a joint effort between State-owned conservation areas, government and private landowners to reduce the poaching of rhino in South Africa.
