The Grahamstown Seventh Day Adventist School and Kingswood College were among four schools in the Eastern Cape to be recognised as international eco-schools at a regional awards ceremony last week.
The Grahamstown Seventh Day Adventist School and Kingswood College were among four schools in the Eastern Cape to be recognised as international eco-schools at a regional awards ceremony last week.
Hosted by the Rhodes University Environmental Learning Research Centre on Friday 9 March, the awards went out to schools that have taken on the Eco-Schools challenge at bronze, silver, green, gold, international and platinum levels.
Overall 64 schools from across the province were awarded with certificates which represent increasing commitment and sophistication in making their schools more environmentally friendly. Messages of support were offered by Bongani Stamper, of the Makana Department of Education, and Ms Mene of the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Acknowledging the two main pillars of Eco-Schools – learning and environmental action – Stamper commended the initiative for its success in strengthening curriculum work in schools across all ages and phases, while Mene highlighted the potential of eco-schools to make meaningful changes towards a sustainable world as learners become involved in small-scale projects in their schools.
Professor Rob O’Donoghue, of the Environmental Learning Research Centre, then made a practical presentation on alternative technologies; what he called a “plan b” for when “contemporary technologies fail us”. He encouraged eco-schools to join in the forthcoming competition involving making a hot-box, a composter and tree planting. Schools interested in joining this competition can contact Rob at 046 603 8389 or r.odonoghue@ru.ac.za
