Looking to pursue a career in marine biology and with no access to the ocean, Rabe expressed her desire to at least clean up the wetlands and dams in the area.
“My school expects us to complete 15 hours of community work and I felt that this project would be a great way not only to put in the hours but as well as to clean-up our community dam,” said Rabe.
Having completed a short certificate course on aquarium studies at the Two Oceans Aquarium earlier this year, Rabe had initially wanted to take part in an awareness campaign on the dangers and challenges facing marine environments and the creatures that live in the ocean.
“I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the ocean but it’s just as important for people living in Gauteng to maintain the wetlands and dams,” said Rabe.
“I sent out messages about the clean-up campaign to my close friends and the word spread on social networks as well. We attracted pupils from various grades and others from Parktown Boys.”
Not only did the pupils pick up the litter lying around in the area but they also climbed into the water to pick out the rubbish that lay at the edges.
Parktown Girls pupil and a member of the Westdene community, Erin Sweeney said she became involved in the clean-up because she would like to have a place where she and her friends could walk their dogs.
A few parents and siblings also joined the pupils and created some fun moments on the day.
