Children bear the brunt of environmental problems in many neighbourhoods — domestic waste left on pavements attracting rats, sewage spills, paraffin and wood-stove smoke, and housing without ceilings or insulation. Yet hope fora different reality lies with the same children.
The JNF (Jewish National Fund) Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre in Mamelodi provides a space for teachers and pupils of the 186 schools in the southern Tshwane educational district to see living examples of greening. Since it opened six years ago about 10?000 children pass through this innovative hub each year.
“The centre demonstrates best environmental practices and creates champions for a sustainable future,” says manager Christa van Schalkwyk. Located on a one-hectare plot, the centre includes a garden, an auditorium, a small library and four theme rooms that focus on biodiversity, waste, energy and water.
“In the water room we have a mural depicting the creatures of a South African river. We discuss where water comes from, how we pollute it and where it goes afterwards,” says Van Schalkwyk. “In other rooms we explore the footprint of waste and how to save electricity. For households that have no electricity, we speak about fire and paraffin safety.”
The rooms demonstrate appropriate green technologies, such as correct orientation for thermal comfort, natural and energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation, solar power and water-wise toilets.
The garden has a nursery with indigenous trees and medicinal plants. An interactive permaculture garden trail demonstrates practical ways of growing food and herbs using natural fertilisers and pest repellents.
The recycling centre receives community waste. Last year the centre obtained international green flag status, which is awarded to institutions for excellence in environmental education.
“We want the youth to spread the message of environmental care,” says Van Schalkwyk. “We employ young people and provide accredited training.”
Youths from Mamelodi earn a stipend while they are trained to run programmes as environmental facilitators.
The Greening the Future judges were particularly impressed by the Nellmapius Greening Project — named after a new suburb in Mamelodi. This project trained a team of community foresters to mobilise their communities to green their home environments. Households are given one indigenous and one fruit tree to plant in their gardens.
The centre’s nursery grows the trees, cutting costs and creating jobs. A separate programme saw 120 scholars planting indigenous gardens in five different schools last year. Learners at the schools were given the opportunity to choose their own medicinal plants.
“We also have a primary school programme teaching children about medicinal plants,” says Van Schalkwyk. “They love this course. We teach them about lengana and wild dagga, which are good for coughs, and the healing properties of bulbinella.”
The centre’s governing body comprises two local community members, two members from the department of education and two members from the JNF, the main funder. Its practical, hands-on approach and clear objectives were praised by the Greening the Future judges.
“The centre’s community involvement, job creation and good governance all combine to make it a role model and a clear winner in this category,” the judges said.