Flying a flag of honour •Merrifield receives global award BY TARALYN MCLEAN MERRIFIELD Preparatory School and College have earned a prestigious Wessa International Flag for outstanding environmental activism, as part of the Eco-School’s Programme. The Eco-School’s Programme is an international initiative that falls under the Foundation of Environmental Education, which operates in 51 countries. The programme, which started in South Africa in 2003 and at Merrifield five years ago, gives recognition to schools that can show how they have improved the quality of environmental learning and sustainable management in their schools and community. This year, Merrifield hosted the Wessa Eco-Schools Programme Regional Awards Ceremony on March 14. The event was attended by schools across the region, from East London to Mthatha, Butterworth and Grahamstown. Ranking goes from Bronze, Silver, Green, Gold, International and Platinum for successful implementation of the Eco-Schools Programme over the past five years. With their International Flag achievement, Merrifield now moves on to working towards a Platinum Flag. Merrifield teacher-in-charge, Chaylene Bachar, was delighted that the school’s efforts to promote environmental awareness and spark change in a green direction have been recognised at this high level. “This goes to show that our motto – small hands, big changes – is working. We want to instill passion and care into the children and show that they can make a difference. “Eco-Schools localises global issues and is a great way for kids to take ownership of environmental issues. “The idea is for environmental awareness to start with the school children, moving to the community, the city, the country and the world.” Three separate enviro clubs at Merrifield target the different age groups, with a Grade 7 club, a college club and a foundation phase club. Every year the school takes on “action projects”. Over the years, Merrifield has tackled projects involving recycling, providing healthy items at the school tuckshop, clearing the dam on the school property of alien vegetation and helping raise awareness of the plight of rhinos. Eco-Schools recognises schools that embrace a holistic approach, including providing lessons on environmental themes as part of their curriculum, and outside of what is prescribed. “You just need teachers who are passionate and kids who want to be involved,” Bachar said.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:47:44 +0000
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