Pioneer in modern nature writing, Richard Mabey, penned: “To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be without our roots.”
The Durban Botanic Gardens’ Outreach Centre has launched a project with Ekuthuleni and Zwakeli Primary Schools in Amaoti, to plant trees in the schools’ grounds.
Slindile Hlengwa of the Gardens’ Education team said: “We encourage the community to plant indigenous trees to ensure an environmental heritage for future generations.”
Over two days, Slindile and colleague, Thami Mbhele took the learners at the schools through an environmental education initiative which emphasised the value trees add to the environment.
The school staff, community, and learners together with a team from The Domino Foundation’s life Skills programme which facilitated the partnership between the gardens and the schools, planted trees donated by the Durban Botanic Gardens Gardens.
The principals of both schools were delighted at the success of the initiative. Mr Khalala of Ekuthuleni Primary School said: “Our learners now understand the environmental need to plant trees and they can see how they can be part of creating a much more attractive space to learn in.”
Domino’s Education Co-ordinator, Nicky Watson, said that an environmental education programme is on the drawing board for Ekuthuleni Primary School which is keen to involve community members and learners in upgrading the school grounds. “We are very grateful to the Botanical Gardens staff for facilitating this important first step in stimulating greater awareness of the importance of the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees. We hope that this relationship will grow and flourish, just like the trees,” she said.
