Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

The Eco-Schools project is going full steam ahead and we have been helping schools set up their committees and Eco-Codes. The five schools we support with Eco-Schools program is also schools that we sponsor with our Global Friends Grant. BFF has realized that there is an intrinsic link between poverty and conservation and therefore has taken a holistic approach to wilidlife conservation and environmental protection by understanding the important part that local communities play. That is where the Global Friends Campaign comes in as it works with local communities to identify their concerns and find sustainable, ecologically and environmentally responsible solutions.  In SA we have decided to focus on schools as we believe that we can make the biggest impact by targeting children. They are after all the future adults and leaders of our country.  We use these funds to improve the learning conditions of children by giving them the equipment and infrastructure they need. With each blog I will introduce you to each of the schools, what support we have given, their progress with Eco-Schools and future plans.

SANDISULWAZI HIGH SCHOOL

Sandisulwazi High School is a rural school that came into being in 1995 when the new democratic government diminished racial discernment education. It is has 357 learners aged 14-22 and has 12 teachers. Poverty is rife in this school and they needed a photocopier to provide learners with the required learning materials.

Born Free Support: Due to the kind donation of a photocopier from a donor Born Free can now use available funding to set up a library for the school. The library will be stocked with necessary books to do projects and computers with internet access. We also purchased the school a computer so that their administration can function properly.

Eco-Schools Progress: This is school is by far the forerunner with this project. They have set up their committee, their Eco-Code and chosen their themes for the year. Basically each school has to do an audit to see which areas need attention and based on this they will choose a theme on which to focus for the year. The five themes are: Resource Use, Nature and Biodiversity, Local and Global Issues, Healthy Living and Culture and Heritage. This school is taking on two themes this year!!!! Which is quite impressive for a school just starting out! They have identified that litter is a big problem at their school and town so they will focus on a litter clean up and recycling program. Another major problem at the school is teenage pregnancy. So what the committee has decided is to have an awareness campaign regarding this issue. Guest speakers such as doctors will come and speak to the girls about contraceptives and the risks of teenage pregnancy.