Jan Celliers Laerskool brought the community and Zoo Lake Users Committee together through a clean-up at Zoo Lake on May 25.
The primary goal was to clean up litter and debris around the lake and neighbouring lawn and forest areas, with volunteers diligently picking up waste along the paths, in flower beds, and around the lake and adjacent areas.
Community member Stuart Norman said the event saw successful community engagement, as the school collaborated with the Parkview, Saxonwold, and Parkwood communities to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
“Over 50 children aged 3–13 and their parents, along with other community members, actively participated and contributed to the success of the initiative. A total of 60 volunteers were present.”
Norman added that environmental awareness was a key aspect of the clean-up, with the school raising awareness among pupils, parents, and the broader community about the impact of litter on the environment.
Educating the learners about responsible waste disposal and recycling was an essential part of the clean-up efforts.
Volunteers were provided with bags for collecting litter, rakes, and gardening gloves. Teams were formed, each led by a team leader, with clean-up activities focusing on paths, flower beds, and the lake as well as the kids’ playground area.
Apart from the educational aspect achieved on the day, the school showcased its commitment to community involvement and environmental preservation. The clean-up demonstrated the school’s dedication to creating a cleaner, safer environment for everyone at Zoo Lake.
Jan Celliers Laerskool principal added, “We look forward to more participation in many more similar initiatives and projects in the future, in and around our community.”
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