Eco project plants trees at schools in Mokopane
By planting trees, the learners will be able to learn about the importance of biodiversity, what the role the trees play in the ecosystem.
MOKOPANE – In a focused effort to educate the community’s youth, the Keo Rapetse Foundation as well as the South African National Botanical Gardens (SANBI) Mokopane, recently visited three primary schools in and around town to plant monkey-thorn and moringa trees.
They will be planting between 15 and 20 trees across Setjoamadi, Raphela and Akasia primary schools in one of the first environmental projects the foundation has initiated.
In July, they will be hosting their EcoWise Kids initiative, focused on vegetable gardening and recycling in schools.
The Fundza Training Institute is the Keo Rapetse Foundation’s strategic partner, with initial contributions funding the first cohort of electrical aide learnerships and a business masterclass.
“Their support and involvement in our foundation has been remarkable and we are honoured to have such institutions take part in giving back to the community,” said Penelope Mamabolo, environmental sustainability manager for the Keo Rapetse Foundation. The overall objective of the project is to raise awareness about environmental conservation in local community schools.
They aim to engage primary school learners in hands-on activities to promote biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
By planting trees, the learners will be able to learn about the importance of biodiversity, what the role the trees play in the ecosystem. The initiative will not only beautify the school grounds but it will still be a sense of responsibility and connection to nature in the learners. It also serves as a great educational experience encouraging learners to become future stewards of the environment.
“The selected schools have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental education and engagement. They are central to our communities and serve as hubs to encourage broader participation and to support biodiversity efforts. We have identified specific areas within the school grounds that would benefit significantly from increased greenery and biodiversity. By planting trees, we can provide shade and enhance the school’s landscape. The schools have shown great commitment to integrating the school’s curriculum with more green initiatives to support their long-term plans of becoming environmentally friendly. Support from the teachers and administration staff from the schools has been positive and expressed great support to the project and their willingness to collaborate with the Keo Rapetse Foundation,” said Mamabolo.
The team also thanked Kosmos Nursery, Waterberg Plant Oasis, Fundza Training Institute and the SANBI for their sponsorship and support throughout the project.
