Schools get creative about conservation
SOUTH Durban schools were invited to participate in a speech contest on water conservation and an art contest on rhino conservation, organised by the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) this month.
The contests, organised in partnership with the Earth Organisation, Umgeni Water and KZN Wildlife as part of the SDB ABM’s environmental awareness programme, saw eight schools compete in the speech competition and 12 in the art.
The finals were hosted by Interfellowship school in Wentworth. “Pupils have realised through this programme that every person has a role to play in conserving our wildlife and our natural resources,“ said principle Paul Bishop.
Each of the eight participating schools selected a winner in the speech contest. “We were impressed with the high standard of speeches from the pupils. They had researched their topics well and it was clear they had learnt a lot from the exercise,” said Irene Chetty, competition organiser from SDB ABM.
The art competition was set in place to highlight the plight of rhinos. Successfully depicting this were Wonga Mtimande from Austerville Primary in first place; Aphelele Zuma from Isipingo Hills Primary in second and Ntuthuka Nyawoza from Junargath Primary in third.
“Rhino poaching in SA has increased by 100% from March, 2011 to March, 2012. In light of the high number of rhinos being poached, we aimed to empower teachers and pupils with information on poaching, extinction and what rhino protection means to the environment and the country and how we as individuals can make a difference,” said Earth Organisation director, Yvette Tailor.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
