KNYSNA NEWS - Rheendendal, Hornlee and Fraaisig primary schools took top honours in the inaugural Knysna Eco-Science Awards that were hosted by the Knysna Rotary Club in collaboration with the Knysna Elephant Park this past weekend. In the high school category, it was Keurbosch, Percy Mdala and Knysna Secondary that shone.
No less than 9 primary schools and three high schools competed, including Percy Mdala High School, Keurbosch School, Keurbosch Primary School, Knysna Secondary School, Knysna Primary School, Thembelitsha Primary School, Chris Nissen Primary School, Concordia Primary School and Sunridge Primary School.
The theme of the competition was "Think Globally, Act Locally," and it is aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability among young learners, while providing them with an opportunity to showcase their creativity in addressing global issues at a local level.
Nathan McKock, a teacher at Fraaisig Primary School, said their project included creating a school food garden while implementing recycling programmes.
The recycling programmes focused on environmental conservation, waste reduction, cost savings as well as how to engage with the community.
Overall the projects challenged students to implement practical initiatives that could make a difference in their immediate community while aligning with global environmental goals.
According to McKock the Eco-Science Awards were beneficial because they provided educational value, health benefits and formed part of community-building while highlighting impacts on the environment.
"Combining these initiatives can foster a sustainable mindset among students, staff, and the community, promoting environmental stewardship from a young age.
"Our third-place finish is a testament to our students' hard work and the impact they already made within their school and local community.
"It not only underscored their passion for environmental sustainability, but also reinforced the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. Their achievement serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of eco-conscious leaders," McKock said.
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