GQEBERHA and JOHANNESBURG, 09 September 2024 – In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity preservation, ISUZU MOTORS South Africa, in collaboration with the Giving Them Wings Foundation, marked Arbor Week with a transformative initiative. By creating two gardens at Astra Primary School in Betheldorp, Gqeberha, and Morojaneng Primary School in Katlehong, Johannesburg, ISUZU has planted the seeds of environmental stewardship, both figuratively and literally.
This initiative, which saw the planting of 600 indigenous plants and 200 spekboom, directly benefits over 1,950 learners across the two schools. Aimed at fostering a greater awareness of climate change and the importance of biodiversity, the gardens are designed to serve as outdoor learning spaces, or “green classrooms,” where students can actively engage with nature. The hands-on interaction allows them to better understand concepts of conservation and sustainability, enhancing their overall educational experience.
The gardens go beyond mere beautification; they serve as living ecosystems that help create carbon sinks—natural environments that absorb more carbon than they release—thus contributing to climate change mitigation. Additionally, permaculture methods have been employed to plant crops, addressing food security concerns by fostering food sustainability through working with nature.
Mr. Douglas Chirwa, principal of Morojaneng Primary School, praised the initiative, stating, “This garden will support us with teaching our learners valuable lessons about sustainability, conservation, and the environment. We are deeply grateful to ISUZU MOTORS South Africa and Giving Them Wings Foundation for this gift that will benefit our school for years to come.”
At Astra Primary School, Mrs. Helma Boggenpoel, the school principal, echoed this sentiment: “This initiative is a game changer for our school, creating a beautiful, sustainable environment where our learners can connect with nature while enhancing their education. This garden will inspire our learners to become active participants in protecting and nurturing our planet.”
ISUZU’s project extends well beyond the creation of the gardens. Over the next 12 months, the Giving Them Wings Foundation will monitor the progress of these green spaces, while the schools integrate them into their curricula. Learners will be encouraged to take ownership of the gardens, utilising them as spaces for continuous environmental education and practical learning.
“We’re not just planting trees; we’re planting knowledge and responsibility,” said Mr. Lebogang Makoloi, Department Executive Corporate Affairs at ISUZU MOTORS South Africa. “This initiative is a tangible example of ISUZU’s commitment to building a sustainable future for our communities and the environment.”
In addition to fostering environmental education, the project has a crucial food security component. Vegetables and fruit will be planted as a sustainable supplement to the schools’ feeding schemes, ensuring that the initiative not only supports educational growth but also addresses vital nutritional needs.
ISUZU’s Arbor Week initiative demonstrates a deep commitment to empowering future generations with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect the planet. As the initiative grows, ISUZU plans to expand its outreach to other primary schools, further cementing its role in combating climate change and promoting biodiversity conservation. Through projects like these, ISUZU MOTORS South Africa is leaving a legacy that enriches both the environment and the lives of South Africa’s youth.
