KNYSNA NEWS - A small Knysna school made a big impact this year and their efforts were rewarded when they received an award for being the best Interact club in the town.

Heatherhill School in Queen Street received the award from the local Rotary club on Saturday 16 September, and one of the biggest motivations for this honour was the massive growth the club had experienced over the past year as well as the numerous projects the members took on. 

They were up against all the Interact clubs of Knysna’s schools.

Lola le Grange, a teacher at the school who heads the Interact club, said that when she took over the club four years ago, there had only been three active members. Today more than half of the student body participate.

The 26 members took on a variety of projects over the past year, including lending a hand with relief work after the June fires.

Le Grange said other projects included working at the local recycling swop shop, helping out at the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) and inspiring residents and visitors to donate blood.

The club also did a blanket drive as well as a food drive for KAWS.

Le Grange said the club’s growth was sparked after making a decision to make participating compulsory for junior learners.

“That way they are exposed to the work Interact does and most of them then realise that it is actually a wonderful initiative to be part of. Most of them often decide to remain members,” Le Grange said.

She added that participation is "very rewarding".

“The youngsters learn that giving is fun and makes them realise to be grateful for what they have, especially when they are exposed to others’ hardships.”

Another lesson the learners walk away with is that, often, money is not needed to make a difference. “You can change a situation by giving of yourself – maybe a smile or a kind word.”

ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT

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