Climate and Water Wise Schools Awarded

Pilgrim's Rest – On 18 March 2014 the red carpet was rolled out for top achieving schools in the Mpumalanga Climate Change and Water Programmes. These programmes, Climate Change Literacy Programme for Secondary Schools and the Water Programme for Pre-schools, were incepted in 2008 by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism with the aim of promoting and encouraging environmental empowerment in schools. The water programme is targeted at pre-schools situated in previously disadvantaged schools, with the aim of introducing early childhood environmental education. They play a critical role in shaping a child's attitude, values and behaviour patterns towards the environment. Programme coordinator Ms Makam explained that this programme aims to increase water awareness in pre-schools and encourage children to use water responsibly.

On the other hand, the Climate Change Literacy Programme guides and educates learners to act responsibly regarding global warming to ensure a healthy environment, while also providing guidance on addressing the causes of climate change. “This programme serves to create awareness in schools on climate change; initiate local actions to combat climate change; and assist schools in taking positive initiatives towards environmental improvements and sustaining the use of natural resources,” explained Programme Coordinator Mr Botha.
 
The Department of Education and the National Department of Environmental Affairs were present on the day to pledge their support to these groundbreaking Departmental initiatives. “The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is looking forward to working closely with the dedet to ensure that this programmes are a success,” said Ms Palesa Mashego. Dr Moodley from the Department of Education (DoE), commended the Department for this initiative and vowed to support it further. “The state of the environment has a big impact in the lives of its citizens and the preservation thereof is of great importance,” said Dr Moodley. “The education department will definitely give its full support to dedet.”

During her visit to the stalls erected by the pupils from the various schools in the Province, the MEC, Mrs Pinky Phosa was astonished by the creativeness of the pupils. Environmentally friendly models demonstrating best ways to save water and electricity were on display on the day. From the Nkangala District, the winners were Thembalihle Primary, Sibonelo Pre-School and Sizofunda Primary. Phiva, Thembalethu and Ekhiyeni Primary Schools came out top at Ehlanzeni District. In Gert Sibande the awards went to Isibanisezwe, Siyaphumelela and Lamagadlela Primary Schools. In Bushbuckridge, Moratiseng, Magashule and Ntsie Primary Schools took the honours. In the Special Schools category, Masenakane and Maletlhogonolo Primary Schools each went home with 4 table basins, 4 x 20 litre bottles and 5 dettol bags as winners in that category. 

Harmony Park Combined School was the big winner in the climate change category. The pupils designed an innovative solar geyser, that saves both energy and water. Makuke Secondary School and LM Mokoena Secondary School were second and third, respectively, in the provincial category awards.