The Urban Renewal Programme (URP) hosted an Arbor Week event at the Intwasahlobo Primary School in Khayelitsha on 07 September 2009.
The welcoming was done by the School Principal, Mrs Zuma, where she emphasised the importance of trees in our lives.
The Arbor Week History was explained by Khethokuhle Mthiyane (Environmental & Tourism Coordinator) of the URP. Arbor Day originated in the United States many decades ago, with the aim of making people aware about the importance of trees. This day has become an important event in the calendar of many countries around the world. South Africa started celebrating Arbor Day in 1983 and in 1999 the government gave permission to the former Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) to extend the celebration of Arbor Day into National Arbor Week.
Arbor Week is celebrated every year, from the 1st until 7th September. During the week, South Africans celebrate the beauty and importance of trees as they play a very important role in the survival of mankind, especially when it comes to the mitigation of climate change and global warming. The theme for National Arbor Week 2009 was “Plant Trees, Save our Planet” and the nominated trees of the year were Tree Fuchsia (Halleria lucida) and the famous Monkey Thorn (Acacia galpinii) Khethokuhle was interactive with the learners, by asking them questions about Arbor Week and encouraged them to share the information with their parents, friends and relatives. A step by step demonstration was done on how to plant a tree, by Kholeka Mhimhi of the Ward Forum (Ward 92). A Member of the school governing body, Mr Mbulawa thanked URP for donating trees to the school and encouraged learners to look after them, for their benefit.
From left: Khethokuhle Mthiyane (Environmental & Tourism Coordinator: Urban Renewal Programme), Miss Nodikana (Educator at Ntwasahlobo Primary), Mr. Mbulawa (Member of the School Governing Body), Mr. Makuleni (Masonwabe Primary: Delft), Councillor Kotyi (Ward 92 in Khayelitsha) and Kholeka Mhimhi (Ward Forum 92)
Councillor Kotyi concluded the event with words of gratitude to all who participated in making the day a success. She thanked URP for such an opportunity, as such an event has never taken place at the school. She made a wonderful comparisson between the growth of a tree and the learner’s age. She also encouraged them to nurture trees and every time when she visits the school, she will ask about the wellness of the trees! She informed the learners and educators to be in contact with her through the local youth group in order to address their community needs.
A tree planting ceremony took place at the school after Councillor Kotyi thanked everyone for attending the event. The trees were donated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
2009/09/07