Youth enjoy environmental education programme
Sewende Laan informal settlement youth were able to walk from their homes down the road and along the coast where they were taught about the ocean and its benefits.
A collaboration of community groups flanked by the City of Cape Town, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and fishing cooperatives hosted the youth on Thursday June 26, in honour of World Oceans Day which was on June 8.
The environmental education programme, included a beach clean-up and community collaboration for a day of environmental stewardship, safety demonstrations and community engagement.
Myrna Scholtz, environmental education officer for the City’s Zandwolf Nature Reserve, spoke to the youth about the coast, the importance of keeping it clean and possible environmental projects they could assist with.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) had an interactive session with the teens who discussed ways of saving their friends when in danger at sea or in a swimming pool.
They were taught an action song to remember the emergency number to call for help 112.
Representatives from Working on Fire spoke about volunteering and the need to be physically fit and disciplined in trying to fight fires.
Fishing cooperatives offered possible links to help with employment and insights into sustainable fishing practices, local marine life and responsible fishing techniques.
