Over eleven thousand trees were planted by learners at 47 schools across Zululand in April and May, bringing much needed funds to the schools and creating an awareness of the environment amongst thousands of young people.
This project is part of Game Stores’ commitment to planting 40 000 trees during 2010 and 2011 as part of their Let’s Grow initiative while uplifting communities in need. Schools earn a fee of three rand per tree planted, and a further fee for nurturing the trees which will be awarded after six months if the trees are well looked after. Most of the schools have opted to barter these earnings for stationery, which they will purchase at Game stores.
A range of indigenous trees that include the Natal Plum, Maroela, Ankle Thorn, Coral, Weeping Boer -bean and Powder-puff trees were planted with the assistance of the Wildlands Conservation Trust, Game Stores’ implementing partner.
The Sustainable Communities Programme run by Wildlands creates the opportunity for children and adults in rural and township communities to grow indigenous trees from seed and trade these for goods such as groceries, schools books and uniforms, and bicycles. All the trees planted have been grown by these “tree-preneurs”, and Wildlands’ staff was on hand at schools to demonstrate the best way to plant and care for the trees.
Mr Cyril Khuzwayo, headmaster of Ndlovini Primary school near Mtunzini, said that 1000 trees were planted at his school and the learners are now taking turns to do the watering and caring for the trees. “We have had a campaign at the school teaching about the value of trees to us, now and in the future, thereby explaining what conservation is and why it is so important.” he said.
“The Let’s Grow initiative, which aligns with our CSI focus on boosting early childhood education, also signifies our commitment to being more environmentally-responsible citizens.” said Jan Potgieter, Game Stores CEO.
Programme Manager for Wildlands’ Sustainable Communities Programme, Charmaine Veldman, said: “Game Stores’ commitment to greening South Africa and encouraging school pupils to be involved is commendable, and the schools have done a great job of taking up the challenge and learning about the environment.”
Schools in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Nelspruit will be given the same opportunity to plant and care for trees in September.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)