Waste recycling: schools doing their bit

GEORGE NEWS - The Landmark Foundation's waste recycling project at schools is catching on with a number of schools having joined and doing their bit for the environment.

The foundation has been handing out Green Awards recently, as reported in the George Herald. A further three schools that received awards are the York High Animal Club, Klouter Kabouter Creche and Glenwood Preparatory.

The York High Animal Club was one of the schools that recently received a Green Award for the extraordinary work they are doing in the community.

Monica Vaccaro of the Landmark Foundation said the dedication and passion of the club members are remarkable. These learners, from Grade 8 to 12, devote their weekends and holidays to supporting pet owners in need. Their efforts include regular visits to assist with food supplies, deworming tablets, flea collars, dog kennels, fencing, and sterilisation services.

"Recently, they played a key role in a project that sterilised 100 dogs in a single community, a testament to their commitment to making a lasting impact.

"Their compassion and leadership set an inspiring example. We also commend the teachers, Hayley Kayser and Simone de Koker, for nurturing such values. This kind of dedication truly transforms lives of both humans and animals," said Vaccaro.

Glenwood House School also received a Green Award. The school joined the recycling project for crèches in 2020 and has been an incredible force through Glenwood Preparatory School. "The principal, Tertia Scholtz, and her staff have managed to not only instil compassion but also new habits; habits that make recycling a priority and a winning theme for the future of the planet," said Vaccaro.

Another preschool that is part of the crèches project is Klouter Kabouter Crèche, which joined in 2020. It has made a significant impact through dedicated recycling efforts. They were presented with their fourth Green Award. Vaccaro praised the principal, Dinah Maart, and her staff for leading by example and reducing landfill waste in their community. "They are super inspiring," she said.

The schools waste recycling project is done in collaboration with Henque Waste, George Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality.

York High Animal Club member Cedar Krige receiving their Green Award. She is flanked by Karin Stoffels and Gavin Esau (both from George Municipality's Community Services). Monica Vaccaro (left, Landmark Foundation) and Andrè Baartman (right, Law Enforcement) were also there.

Erica Brown (left, George Municipality), Douw Bezuidenhout (Henque Waste) and Monica Vaccaro (right, Landmark Foundation) hand over Klouter Kabouter's Green Award to the principal, Dinah Maart (centre) and staff member Macey Jansen.

Douw Bezuidenhout of Henque Waste hands over the Green Award to Glenwood Preparatory principal Tertia Scholtz. Second from left is Erika Brown, representing George Municipality, and on the right is Monica Vaccaro of the Landmark Foundation. In the front are, from left: Landon Scheepers, Amore le Roux and Elizabeth de Kock, some of the school's eco-warriors.