HARTIES CRISIS: Newton House collects 1 650 bottles for Harties

Newton House School collected 1 650 two-litre empty bottles in efforts to help with the water hyacinth problem that currently affects Hartebeespoort Dam.

Randburg Sun had previously reported that the school aimed to collect at least 1 000 bottles in the span of two weeks.

“We wanted to do the collection within two weeks so it did not conflict with exams,” said Grade 7 social sciences teacher, Bryan Forsyth.

He explained that the school was very proud to have exceeded their expectations as this was an important initiative.

“It was important that we had our children be part of the solution,” said Forsyth.

To collect all these bottles, the school compelled the children to collect as many bottles as they could. The school also appealed to the community through its Facebook page. Forsyth said the collection roughly worked out to about three bottles per child.

The proud teacher described that it was crucial for the children to be part of this initiative because in class they learn that a community needs to become involved in conservation efforts.

“After they saw that help was needed at Hartebeespoort Dam they knew that this was the perfect way for them to play their part in the community,” said Forsyth, adding that they wanted to play an integral role in this community-based project as it is a good one to support.

He shared that many of the children participate in water sports at the dam as it’s one of the closest dams used for many recreational activities.

“This was a problem they could understand, conservation-wise, in a tangible way,” said Forsyth.

The school’s efforts don’t just stop here, they still hope that some of their Grade 7s will be able to head to the dam and lend a helping handing.

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