Local changemakers learn about climate change

SCHOOLS NEWS - Grade 9 learners from five high schools in George are part of the Masifunde Changemaker Network programme that has been rolled out at 250 high schools countrywide.

The Jaftha Foundation South Africa, the implementation agent for this learner development programme in George, has been implementing it since last year with learners from Heatherlands High, Parkdene High, George High, Olympia Skills School and Pacaltsdorp High.

The latest engagement with the learners was a climate change workshop presented early in June by Errol Jaftha, head of the foundation. Learners from the Heatherlands and Parkdene High Schools participated.

A variety of aspects around the subject were discussed and subsequently, on Thursday 12 June, some of the learners formed part of a climate change talk on Eden FM.

"We used the excellent Spark Changemaker Network magazine to guide us in the workshop. It was enjoyed by all and a lot was learned," said Jaftha.

The workshop was supported by the Department of Basic Education and Western Cape Education Department.

Masifunde's Changemaker Network currently reaches out to learners from more than 250 high schools nationwide with practical knowledge on relevant social topics such as school safety, violence prevention, anti-bullying and environmental awareness.

Five schools are targeted in each district where a community organisation implements the programme on behalf of Masifunde.

"Through activation workshops for Grade 9 learners and intensive changemaker training sessions for selected changemakers, the aim is to spark positive change in our schools and communities.

“The foundation has been working with Grade 9 learners from five different high schools in George since 2024 and we are looking forward to see the fruits of sparking change within our high schools," said Jaftha.

In the recording studio at Eden FM.

Errol Jaftha (left) from the Jaftha Foundation SA and learners who completed the climate change workshop, from left: Keeton Claassen (Parkdene High), Unako January (Heatherlands High), Joanne Biel (Parkdene High), Thaabick Swartbooi (Parkdene High), Owam Jingisa (Heatherlands High), Takudzwa Govera (Heatherlands High). Photo: Sabelo Dladla (NMU student).