GEORGE NEWS - Hoogekraal Primary, a small farm school with a big, green heart, recently embarked on an exciting journey of recycling, environmental awareness and waste management.
Under the guidance of the Landmark Foundation and the Hoogekraal Educational Trust, the Grade Six learners took responsibility for guiding the school's recycling programme. With only six enthusiastic learners, they managed to clean up their classrooms and the school, and inspire the community to take part in the recycling project.
There are now two drop-off points for members of the community to leave their recycling for Henque Waste to pick up as part of the buy-back of recycled materials, such as cardboard, paper, plastic and tin.
The Garden Route District Municipality sponsored these cardboard recycling boxes.
During Arbor Month, the learners planted some trees, which were generously donated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), taking another step toward creating a biodiversity-rich outdoor learning zone.
"Through this initiative, we are growing environmental leaders within the community to make informed, sustainable choices for the future. A heartfelt thank you to the headmaster of Hoogekraal Primary, Erik Jacobs, for championing and supporting this vision," said Tania Els of the Hoogekraal Educational Trust.
After all the hard work, the Grade Six learners received their Green Awards from the Landmark Foundation in acknowledgment of their efforts and dedication to the project.
Tania Els of the Hoogekraal Educational Trust with the stars of the recycling programme: Zylen Olieslager, Locriesa Godfrey, Tabonay Pietersen, Denise Mei, Eldrodene Baardman and Chestelene Baardman.
The school also received the Green School Award. Cllr Erika Brown, whose portfolio is Community Services, and Monica Vaccaro of the Landmark Foundation handed over this prestigious award to Jacobs at a small informal ceremony last week.
"Hoogekraal Educational Trust is honoured to be part of this project and anticipates even greater opportunities for the school and community in 2026.
"We want to thank everyone involved for the support and dedication to this project," said Els.
Enquiries: Tania Els on 083 452 2648.
Hoogekraal Primary's headmaster, Erik Jacobs, Cllr Erika Brown and Tania Els of the Hoogekraal Educational Trust.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
