Vanaf Oktober 20 tot 23 het 17 opgewonde Graad 6 en 7 leerlinge, en net sulke entoesiastiese personeel – Yvonne Tiley, Lucia Catlett en Helena Viljoen – die lang pad na Mtunzini aan die noord-kus aangepak. Langs die pad het hulle by Umgungundlovu aangegaan, papier gemaak in Eshowe, die kunstige kleipotte en grasmandjies by die Vukani-museum bewonder en in die inheemse Dlinza-bos in Eshowe tot by die boomtoppe geloop. Daarna het hulle in afwagting tot by Twinstreams omgewingsentrum in Mtunzini gery.
Hulle het nagapies (‘bush babies’) gesien, en baie blouapies wat ook hulle sjokolade kom gaps het! Die Umlalazi Natuurreservaat was ‘n geskenkpakkie vol ontdekkings: die vleilande, die moerasse waarin die lugwortelbome groei en dan die swart modder wat, volgens die gidse, so goed vir hulle velle is.
They went kayaking at the Umlalazi estuary and jumped off high sand dunes after playing exciting beach games.
They enjoyed night walks, using torches, and discovered many interesting insects and animals. ‘Stalking the lantern’ on the dunes at night was also a very thrilling experience!
Water studies, dune studies, forest studies and grassland studies were all combined with fun activities, and they learnt so much about the wonderful variety of God’s creations.
On Thursday morning they visited the famous Science Centre in Richards Bay. They had the privilege of experiencing Derek Fish, the Director of the Science Centre, as the presenter of his world-renowned music and science show.A visit in the midi-planetarium was another bonus, although one of the boys fell fast asleep as they lay back in the planetarium… Hands-on scientific activities in the centre provided a wonderful learning curve for everyone.
Ichthus would like to express their gratitude towards teachers, parents, learners and the Lord Jesus for this interesting and exciting tour. Soli Deo Gloria!
