Leaners from Amalia Primary School near Schweizer-Reneke town welcomed the
initiative by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to take an
educational campaign on landcare to their school.
The campaign which is mainly targeting primary schools, was held last Thursday, 09 February at Amalia Primary School.
The campaign, a joint effort between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Environment, Economic Development, Conservation and Tourism in the North West (DEDECT), was aimed at encouraging the youth of the Province to take care of their environment and utilise measures that will maintain the health of natural habitats by controlling and eliminating threats in the environment.
Speaking during the event, the Land Care Coordinator, Molwedi Tlhagaswane explained that it was important for Landcarers to provide knowledge and expertise to local communities for native vegetation conservation and land management through practical implementation and educational workshops.
“As we are passing on these skills to learners, we hope that they will share what they have learned with their peers and families. We aim to instil a culture of young people actively participating in caring for the environment and empowering them with the means to do that,” said Tlhagaswane.
With the rising water scarcity, Kefilwe Disipi, one of the campaign presenters spoke on water saving techniques and encouraged attendees to harvest rain water and use grey water for plants.
“The responsibility of saving water lies on you as individuals, this will safeguard the misuse and possible diminution of water for future generations. One of the most advantageous water saving techniques is rooftop Rain Water Harvesting where rain water is captured from the roof catchments and stored in reservoirs or water tanks, it is for this reason the department previously deemed fit to donate water tanks in schools across the province”.
Part of the activities of the day included planting of trees which were donated by the DEDECT.
The five trees comprise spekboom which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and
improving the quality of air. The tree uses carbon to make plant tissue and produce oxygen. Shade and fruit trees were part of the five trees planted. In addition, seeds, a wheelbarrow, shovel and fertilizers were donated to the school for their vegetable garden.
MEC Desbo Mohono is advocating for agriculture knowledge and skills to be shared with kids for an early age. She said food security will reach its intended height should knowledge and skills for agriculture be acquired by young people.
“Agriculture is the main source of food production and is directly responsible for our health as individuals and groups. So when we introduce our children to it we would be giving them a legacy that would remain for generations to come,” MEC Mohono said.
The NWDARD plans to roll out the campaign to many other schools in the province
