KNYSNA NEWS - SANParks got their hands dirty for a good cause on Mandela Day, as the organisation's rangers and volunteers banded together to help fix up Hilder Stent Crèche in Hornlee.
Hilder Stent is one of the biggest and oldest crèches in Hornlee, with more than 120 learners.
SANParks led various programmes throughout the area - in Diepwalle, Harkerville and Knysna - to commemorate Mandela Day. Some projects were one-day events while some were continuous.
SANParks staff wanted to give support to the early childhood development centre as the organisation cares and values pre-primary institutions and their role in the development of children in the community.
Further to that, they wanted to brighten up the school interior walls with colour and new artwork.
SANParks ranger Leam Philips applying the elbow grease.
They envisaged that this will bring delight to both learners and educators, and enhance learning. This took two days to complete. Oakhill School wanted to share their love for art and children in the community, so they partnered with SANParks and painted beautiful, bright artwork on the walls of the school.
"The most beautiful thing about these programmes was the initiatives of staff on the ground and they went all out to give their 67 minutes of dedicated effort to assist communities and nature," says Nondumiso Mgwenya, socio-economic transformation practitioner for the Garden Route National Park (GRNP).
"Staff were responsible for coming up with initiatives, planning and implementing their programmes with the support of management and SANParks Honorary Rangers. We were very inspired by the creativity, energy, dedication and love for people and environment shown by the team."
GRNP general manager Vuyiswa Radebe was happy to see the difference that was made. "In line with the 2023 theme, 'One Hand Can Make a Difference - The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food, and Solidarity', the GRNP's dedicated initiatives exemplify the enduring impact of collective action, fostering a harmonious co-existence between communities and nature."
The playpark at Hilder Stent being painted by SANParks administrators.
The SANParks rangers and volunteers responsible for the cleaning and sprucing up at Hilder Stent pre-school in Hornlee.
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