WESSA Glencore report 2022

Thuthukani Primary School

Kromdraai

OUR ECO-SCHOOL JOURNEY

OUR SCHOOL PROJECTS The food garden project failed due a serious challenge of the soil type which was clayish and muddy due to most of the yard being waterlogged. We came up with a solution to start growing vegetables in pots which has been working well. After learning of the biodiversity gardens, the Eco committee worked on collecting the tyres and gathering the soil. The learners actively participated in the development of the biodiversity garden and enjoyed it as it is also linked to their Natural Sciences This year Thuthukani Primary will start to focus on waste management and recycling competition. areas of the school and this is due to wind during the start of spring which causes a lot of dust and the soil washing away with water during the rainy season. Waste management is also a challenge caused by white paper and littering experienced mostly after lunch break from sweets and snacks packages.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED Thuthukani Primary School was one of the schools built in, Ogies and the infrastructure is old and damaged. The school ground yard is partly bare ground with some areas with concrete and paving on the ground. There are a few scattered trees and the back yard is unusable due to being waterlogged and at times with overgrow of grass. One concerning environmental challenge encountered is soil erosion on the front open Thuthukani Primary School started their eco-journey started in 2018 when they were introduced to the programme after taking part in the clean-up campaign with Glencore, WESSA and other local schools Thuthukani soon became interested in the Eco-Schools programme and how they could use the programme in improving their schools waste management and greening through planting more trees and introducing indigenous plants. The idea of a vegetable garden was also in the plan to support their school nutrition programme which at times does not accommodate the number of learners enrolled at the school.

Ogies

The biodiversity garden is being used for outdoor teaching and learning

IMPACT OF THE PROJECT

The learners enjoyed being part of creating the biodiversity gardens which has exposed the gap of practical teaching in the school. Teachers have learnt how to design outdoor lessons and become resourceful The school environment has improved and learners have reduced littering the school ground The biodiversity garden has motivated the teachers to start looking at other areas around the school that need greening and learn more about indigenous plants

Biodiversity garden

Hand-washing station demonstration

eMalahleni Glencore Eco-Schools Project: IMPACT REPORT 2022 25