Walking, talking rhinos
A school which is going the extra mile to help save rhinos.
MULBARTON Remedial School was visited by a very special organisation on Wednesday September 18, Rhino SA.
Irene Huysamen and Margie Kolver, from Rhinos SA, have visited the school before and were thrilled with the learners’ enthusiasm towards saving rhinos.
The learners have been educated in how important it is to save the rhino and were told some sad news about one of the rhinos they had previously heard about.
“At Askari Game Reserve, about an hour away from Johannesburg, they have rhinos, as well as other animals, and these animals are used to educate and teach people and children about them. Only a few days ago one of the pregnant rhinos was slaughtered. She was 28 years old and this would only have been her fourth calf which was expected in a few weeks. Thankfully one of her other calves, who is just over two years old, was found safe a few days later.
“We have to stop the killing of rhinos and with your help we can do this. Carry on being ‘walking, talking rhinos’, by spreading the word to everyone you meet. Telling them about what you have learnt and how important it is to save our rhinos,” said Irene.
“There are 119 children in your school and if you are all ‘walking, talking rhinos’ that’s another 119 people who will hear about the plight of the rhino,” added Margie.
The school was awarded a certificate for all their good work, which includes writing letters and painting and making posters, which will all be sent to President Zuma, as well as a floating trophy. “The trophy can be awarded to a child, class or member of staff who goes the extra mile by doing something exceptional towards saving rhinos or looking after the environment,” said Irene.
Previously the children at the school each received a Rhino Lapel Badge, which follows the same concept as the AIDS or Cancer ribbons. The aim of Rhino SA is to have students and business representatives all over the country wearing these lapel badges to keep the rhinos in everyone’s mind as well as represent a silent voice for South Africa’s rhinos.
If you would like your school to receive a visit from Rhino SA, please contact Irene 011 435 9575 or e-mail: Irene@greenwallofafrica.com Badges are available from orders@rhinosa.co.za
