Rouxville Primary School recently had a series of exciting achievements highlighting the learners’ creativity and commitment to environmental sustainability.
This year, following specialised training, teachers Evelyn Moodley and Keenan Daniels introduced a STEM (science, technology, mathematics) club at the school.
“We managed to secure a R5 000 kit with equipment for science, technology, and mathematics – that included micro bits, games, microscopes, and games circuits.
“This initiative has sparked significant interest among our learners, encouraging them to explore these subjects in new and innovative ways,” Moodley says.
The learners’ artistic talents shone through when the school entered the Cartoon Network Climate Champions competition, hosted by Disney.
They created impressive artwork using recyclable toilet paper rolls.
“Out of 250 competing schools, we were thrilled to place in the top 10 nationally, winning R3 000.”
Moodley says they also submitted a project for a science competition with an environmental and climate change theme.
“Our entry – featuring Candy Park and gumball machines – was selected as one of the top 10 winners, earning another R3 000 for the school’s science department.
As part of Rouxville’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the school’s garden entered into a weekly environmental competition.
This earned teacher Almaré van Zyl and the school’s Environmental Club R2 000 in goods from Builders Warehouse to use towards their efforts.
Moodley says the school received their prize payments in October. “We couldn’t be more proud of our learners and their hard work.”
These accomplishments demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills but also reinforce environmental consciousness in today’s world.
“We are excited to continue this journey and look forward to even more success in the future,” Moodley says.
She thanked the principal for allowing learners to participate in extracurricular activities that promote their holistic development and expose them to national platforms.
“I also want to thank Cartoon Network and Disney for recognising our learners’ skills and creativity.”
Initiative
According to Cartoon Network their Climate Champions Schools Initiative is dedicated to empowering children aged 6 to 12 to tackle climate change head-on.
Around 250 schools nationwide participated.
A Cartoon Network survey revealed that 94% of South African children are concerned about climate change, 95% want to take action, and 90% are eager to learn more. The initiative aims to turn these concerns into real-world impact.
Weekly schools received resources on essential environmental topics such as recycling, energy conservation, plant life, plastic pollution, and e-waste.
The initiative provided facts, videos, quizzes, and challenges, enabling teachers to integrate climate education into their classrooms.
Learners were enthusiastic participants, engaging in activities like rainwater harvesting, clothing recycling, and climate-focused presentations. Schools submitted their efforts for a chance to win eco-friendly prizes.
Rouxville Primary’s junior learners constructed an impressive model of a bee using recycled materials, including toilet paper rolls, pipes, and plastic bottles.
The senior learners’ created mandala wall art using toilet paper rolls painted with beautiful vibrant colours for their project (Candy Park).
