The pre-primary learners at Charterhouse School blended interactive learning with charitable efforts.
Using the plight of orphaned baby rhinos, the school taught lasting lessons about wildlife conservation and environmentalism. To emphasise the lasting effects of rhino poaching, a milk donation drive was held with the proceeds going to a sanctuary providing care for the motherless calves.
The feeding of baby rhinos can be problematic, not just because of the volume required but because rhino milk has among the lowest fat content of all mammals. With this in mind, the learners would need to collect fat-free and skim milk to be compatible with the calves’ digestive system. The lucky recipients of the milk donation will be Little Rhino Orphanage located in the North West province.
Inspired by local businesses that held a similar drive last year, teacher Niki Macnamara was the spearhead of the project and was enthusiastically supported by her colleagues. The learners were the true drivers who latched onto the rhino’s struggles, becoming quite competitive as they sought to out-supply their peers.
As of July 26, the learners had collected just over 860 litres of milk and were pushing hard to make the magical 1 000 litre mark. Head of Pre-Primary Yvette Godwin was immensely proud of the Charterhouse Pre-Primary family, saying, “Thanks to parents and teachers for really getting behind the project. The children empathised so much and this really helps them understand the ideas and effects of conservation.”
