World Environmental Education Day

World Environmental Education Day, which falls on January 26, is observed all over the world in the hopes of improving the relationship between our fellow humans and nature itself. It seeks to identify and find solutions to certain environmental issues, both globally and locally. It’s beneficial to us human beings to protect the environment because this entails our survival and well-being. We get to bring awareness, think, and act in harmony with the environment.

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust Environment Education Programme (DEEP) was founded in 2016,with the aim and vision for the learners to commit to Respect for all; Hard work; Honesty; Commitment; Environmental/Social awareness; Responsibility and Leadership. DEEP focuses on learners in Masakhane township and Blompark, inspiring them to protect this unique marine Eco-system for future generations. Learners commit to a 3-year programme consisting of 12 lessons per term about fauna and flora of our marine environment, whilst improving environmental management at their schools. A new group write a motivational letter on why they want to be part of the programme which allows for 2nd and 3rd year learners to act as mentors. A core group of dedicated “Blue Ambassadors” are selected every year, to attend intensive individual education to incentivize them to achieve great results at school and motivate them to make career choices in the marine, scientific and conservation fields, whilst encouraging their peers to do the same. Since the programme started we reached a dedicated group of 124 children at Masakhane Primary- and Academia High School. The lengthy involvement enables effective monitoring of impact on the individual. Currently there are 82 learners (43 Primary school kids and 39 High School learners) still involved in the programme.

The pilot group of kids eight wrote their matric exams in 2023 and five got Admission to Bachelor Degree, two have a supplementary. The confidence, academic excellence, sports excellence and the leadership skills they acquired during their 3-year journey is a testament of their participation in the programme. One was a head boy of 2023; One Deputy Head girl 2023; Five in the Matric Council; one girl representing the Western Cape in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein soccer games; One girl took part in the SARU Youth Week in Johannesburg and also playing for the Boland region – South African Rugby Union(SARU); One boy playing soccer for the Boland region; One boy playing rugby for the 1st team.

Pinkey says; As there is interdependence between man and the environment, it does us more good to connect and come up with solutions to the issues our environment faces. When given more thought, it’s just like making sure our home is a livable and safe space to reside in. DEEP participants show improved scholastic results due to this program. “I am looking forward to journeying with these new groups this year and I appreciate the support of the parents and teachers in ensuring the best future for not only the students on the programme but all those they in turn reach within the community.” In conclusion the programme provided every learner with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment and skills needed to protect and improve the environment; to encourage new patterns of behavior of individuals, groups and society as a whole towards the environment. I can say that at the end of their 3 year journey the learners can understand that it is the environment that is keeping everyone alive. Without the blanket of environment, we won’t be able to survive.

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