GEORGE NEWS - Jonga High School in Thembalethu came out tops in a regional competition about energy efficiency. The school received prize money of R15 000 for their innovation, design and the logical presentation of ideas.
This competition was launched by Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) throughout the district, with learners from Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland participating.
The objective is to raise awareness among learners about the importance of adopting sustainable energy behaviours.
Indwe High School in Kwanonqaba came second, with George High School in the third place. They received prize money of R10 000 and R5 000, respectively.
Teachers from participating schools motivated learners to develop and illustrate bulletin boards about energy sustainability, aiming to teach learners the significance of energy efficiency and efforts to conserve energy at their schools.
A total of 17 entries were received. The review and scoring of the entries, based on a set of assessment criteria, took place in March. The results were announced by schools in April.
Mayoral visit
The top three schools received a mayoral visit on 23 July to receive their prizes from GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel, portfolio chairperson of property and asset management Clr Hilton Stroebel, manager of integrated planning and economic development Lusanda Menze, and a delegation from the GRDM office.
GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel addressing the learners.
At Jonga High, Stroebel and the delegation were welcomed by a praise singer, followed by a song by the school’s choir. Sinethemba Godla, the acting principal, thanked the mayor for steering the district in a positive direction and raising awareness about energy saving.
"I believe that you must leave something behind when you leave, but today, I must surely say that I've received something here," Stroebel told the learners during his address. He lauded the school team for their strong sense of teamwork and sustainable practices, emphasising the significance of their achievement. "We are here today to congratulate you not only for taking part in the competition but also for winning it in the district."
With the prize money, the school purchased two laptops, 13 scientific calculators, 13 mathematics instrument boxes and four white laboratory coats.
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