Plans include upgrading the children’s toilets and getting tables and benches for pupils to use during the lunch breaks Palmview Primary School teacher, Jenisher Sewpersad-Kreashun, who spearheads the recycling initiatives, with the eco-prefects. Picture: Supplied
A Phoenix primary school’s efforts to keep the environment clean has resulted in them winning a recycling competition and R10 000.
Palmview Primary School was selected among 10 schools in the area to participate in the “Trash for Treats" recycling competition. The competition was by Metpac-SA, a producer responsibility organisation, in partnership with Phoenix for the Planet.
Jenisher Sewpersad-Kreashun, a teacher who spearheaded the initiative, said: “It was through great team effort, hard work and determination of our pupils and staff that we emerged victorious. We will now be able to make much-needed improvements to our school.”
Sewpersad-Kreashun said the competition started in the third term and ended in the fourth term, last year.
“The company had dropped off recycling bins and sacks that were used to separate plastic bottles, cans and paper. Every day I went to each classroom to remind the children and the teachers to bring in recyclable items.
"There was enthusiasm from the children, who brought in a substantial amount of items for recycling. The teachers also collected items, and our eco-prefects, who I am in charge of, separated the waste into the sacks and then put it into the recycling bins."
Sewpersad-Kreashun said apart from the competition, her passion for ensuring a clean environment had seen the school being involved in recycling and other clean-up initiatives.
“I have always been passionate about ensuring our environment is clean and protected. I have taught my own children the importance of recycling, something which is done in my home. I have extended this passion to our pupils."
She said during the English lessons, the pupils were taught about the impact of pollution, especially on marine life.
"They are also taught the importance of protecting the environment, for example, making sure to recycle plastic, cans and papers, as well as not to use plastic straws. In addition, our eco-prefects will pick up litter after the breaks to ensure the school is neat.
“I was also driven to win the competition, as we are a poor school and I knew the prize money would aid us in uplifting the school. Some of the things we would like to do is upgrade the children’s toilets and get tables and benches for them to use during the lunch breaks."
Sewpersad-Kreashun said they were not yet informed how much recyclable items they had collected.
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