Learners embrace environmental awareness

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – The many career opportunities available to young people in the environment sector came under the spotlight at an environmental campaign and career guidance expo that was held in observance of Abhor Month.

Addressing the crowd gathered in the hall, the chief nature conservator from Destea Pule Matlokotsi said: “The environment is life and it is very important for people to take care of all the elements in nature such as the air, earth and water, otherwise we would be in danger of destroying our natural resources and our own ability to survive as humans.”

MAPwater’s Kelopile Mongake said water is a natural resource that cannot be manufactured therefore it is important for people to use it very wisely, more so because it is also a scarce resource in South Africa.

“The reason why I saw the need to organize this event is because I was inspired by the work that is done by environmental activists who through their outreach programmes have included traditional leaders to inform us about the environment and how to preserve nature.”

For his part, Chief Nyakallo Mohale said: “I decided that our community needs to be informed about the importance of nature and the environment, and it is during the plenary phase of this event that we decided to start with learners and expose them to career opportunities in this sector and teach them about the environment”
Learners from the Thaba Tsoeu district who attended this environmental campaign shared their enthusiasm in interviews with The Guard.

One of them, Ntombi Mokoena from Phiri Intermediate School said she had learned that a zoologist is someone who works with animals and that it is important to take care of nature and animals.
Her schoolmate Mamosala Mofokeng was excited to learn of the many job opportunities in this sector.

Learners from Thalabodiba Secondary School said they learned the importance of keeping the environment clean by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
To celebrate Abhor Day four trees were planted at Mookodi school’s yard, and they were given the names Nyakallo, Patudi, Kganya and Mookodi.