Children from Masiphumelele in Fish Hoek have cleaned litter from Soetwater Beach. They took part in an environmental education project marking International Coastal Cleanup Day.
The annual global initiative brings volunteers together to remove litter from beaches and waterways. This year, it fell on Saturday 19 September.
The project, called Bag-a-Burger, is a partnership between the Lions Club of Tokai and the Soetwater Environmental Education Centre. It combines environmental education with practical experience for children.
The children worked alongside Lions members to clear litter from the beach. They also learned about protecting the environment and keeping coastal areas clean.
Lions Club of Tokai president Mark Rossouw said the project aimed to give children practical exposure to environmental care.
“We wanted the children to understand that caring for the environment is something that each of us can participate in,” Rossouw said.
“Bag-a-Burger gave them the opportunity to make a practical contribution by cleaning the beach, while also learning more about the environment around them.”
Learning beyond the beach
Furthermore, the programme went further than the clean-up. Children learned about the role snakes play in the natural environment. They also had the chance to see and touch live non-venomous snakes.
In addition, they discovered bird species found in the area. They also tackled the obstacle course at the Soetwater Environmental Education Centre.
After the clean-up, each child received a hamburger, fruit and a cold drink. Rossouw said this was a token of appreciation for their efforts.
He thanked the organisations and volunteers who made the project possible.
“We are particularly grateful to the Soetwater Environmental Education Centre for partnering with us, Living Hope for organising the children and Golden Arrow Bus Services for transporting them safely,” he said.
“We also thank our Lions Club members and all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the day possible.”
Ultimately, the project gave the children a chance to contribute to their local environment. They also gained practical knowledge about coastal conservation and the area’s wildlife.
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