Learners at Pelican Park High School were recently awarded for their innovative ideas on sustainable energy practices, the top performers in the City of Cape Town’s Energy Efficiency Schools Programme.

The competition, which saw nine high schools across the city participating, is aimed at empowering young people and celebrating their creativity and commitment to promoting energy efficiency.

Schools are assessed on the creativity of their poster designs as well as their ability to articulate energy-efficient practices and come up with sustainable-energy solutions.

Prizes

Located near Grassy Park, Pelican Park High received a R15 000 heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) voucher, awarded to its team and their supervising teacher.

Second place went to Groenvlei High School, while Vista Nova High School clinched third.

Both schools received stationery vouchers valued at R5 000 and R3 000.

The competition formed part of the Cape Town Future Energy Festival, a city-wide movement underway to “equip all residents with the information to make better energy choices.”

Creative designs

Pelican Park High stood out among the other schools for the quality of its poster design and its ability to communicate practical solutions to energy challenges facing communities clearly. Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Mayco Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said the City was proud to honour its “learner-leaders”, especially during Youth Month.

“The Future Energy Festival was designed to do more than simply teach facts about electricity and energy use. It was created to bring learning to life. Through interactive plays, workshops and practical activities, aligned with the school curriculum, learners, especially are encouraged to think critically about the energy challenges facing our city and our country.”

The energy future of the city is a responsibility every resident should uphold, she added.

“Whether as residents, businesses, government, educators or learners every one of us has a role to play in creating a more sustainable, resilient and energy-secure future. The leaders of tomorrow are the young people who choose today to care about their communities, their environment and their future.”

People’s Post reached out to Pelican Park High School for comment but they did not respond before publication.

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