In a move to foster sustainability, twelve schools across the country have recently secured funding to implement eco-friendly projects as part of climate action programmes. The recipients are expected to develop initiatives that promote environmental awareness and generate income.
According to GemInstitute Director Mpho Letima, the initiative aims to integrate sustainability into education and nurture socially responsible young people. “We are investing in this initiative because we believe in education. We are investing because we believe in the young person,” she said.
The schools, representing nine districts, are the first group in the second phase of the Arts, Culture, Technology (#ACT4ClimateChange) Social Enterprise Green Investment Venture. Each will implement projects that, if successful, will contribute to combating climate change and enhancing local ecosystems.
In total, M129,185 has been allocated to the schools, with funding provided by UNESCO through the National Commission for UNESCO and implemented by GemInstitute.
The beneficiaries and their allocations include:
- Mutlanyana Primary School – M20,000
- Masiabelleng High School – M3,500
- Cana High School – M15,000
- Lilala Future Veges – M20,000
- Masitise High School – M20,000
- St James High School – M16,320
- Lesotho High School – M9,000
- Mabathoana High School – M9,000
- Hermitage High School – M8,000
- Thabana Morena Primary and High School – M13,630
- Pitseng High School – M23,735
Letima noted that recipient schools were also provided with fruit trees, many of which have already flourished. She urged schools to become centers of excellence for sustainability and community development.
Previously, schools ran successful agricultural projects, including raising pigs and chickens for sale. Letima challenged the new recipients to be “disruptors” and build on existing resources to create green hubs that others can emulate.
Hermitage High School plans to engage in cuniculiculture, selling rabbits for meat, fur, and medicinal urine. Lineo Ntaitsane described the funding as a “game changer,” noting the rabbits’ fast growth and low maintenance costs.
Masiabelleng High School Principal ‘Mantsane Makhetha expressed excitement over the support, saying it will extend sustainable projects to students. Partnering with a local youth farmer, the school will buy nets and sell seedlings and vegetables to surrounding communities.
Thabana Morena Primary and High School students, Tšireletso ‘Matli and Thabiso Moorosi, will launch a dried fruit venture using a dehydrator, sealers, and packaging materials. They plan to process apples, peaches, and pears from the school and surrounding areas, with guidance from Agriculture and Commercial Studies teachers.
The initiative emphasises stakeholder collaboration and discourages the “silo mentality.” Mankopane Nkomo from the National Commission for UNESCO urged the schools to serve as beacons of hope and inspiration. She stressed that hands-on involvement fosters responsibility, encourages practical skills, and ensures students continue contributing to society beyond their studies.
“You have to grow these funds,” Nkomo said, encouraging schools to leverage their resources for maximum impact.
Summary
- In a move to foster sustainability, twelve schools across the country have recently secured funding to implement eco-friendly projects as part of climate action programmes.
- Partnering with a local youth farmer, the school will buy nets and sell seedlings and vegetables to surrounding communities.
- Thabana Morena Primary and High School students, Tšireletso ‘Matli and Thabiso Moorosi, will launch a dried fruit venture using a dehydrator, sealers, and packaging materials.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
