GAWA – Namibia’s first Green Charity – in partnership with RadioWave 96.7FM, Tree Media and CSAfrica, recently launched Green School Zones Namibia in Windhoek. The idea is to change, from grassroots level, attitudes towards the environment.
Through this campaign, GAWA aims to set up connections of like minded people, organisations, government departments and groups within Namibia that would bring the country into the networks of international green movements such as CSAfrica and the GO Campaign.
In a recent meeting with the various Ministries, Gareth Amos, Director of Interact Namibia and Stephan McGuire, Executive Director of GAWA, also a film producer at Tree Media and President of CSAfrica, are proud to officially have all 43 public schools in Windhoek declared as “Green Zones”.
With financial backing from the GO Campaign, the Diamond Trade Company of London, the Namibian Diamond Trade Company, as well as citrus trees from the Wilde End Nursery, the first phase will kick off with the planting of trees throughout these green zones. To materialise these intentions, RadioWave began the campaign for GAWA by hosting a contest earlier this month, through which 25 citrus trees for 15 Windhoek schools were won.
With a total sponsorship of about N$4 000 per school, GAWA will provide education to the children and teachers on proper stewardship, on organic foods, micro enterprise, as well as bring about a sense of pride in these trees “as they will become focal points in each of our local schools” states Mr McGuire.
Furthermore, “students will learn valuable skills as well as the business of fruit sales and local food markets.” All needed resources will be provided for locally including personnel, equipment and support, “our GREEN ZONE Schools Team will monitor and evaluate all participating schools on a quarterly basis to ensure project management, quality control, health of the trees and once the trees are baring fruit, that the fruits are looked after and a local retail market has been arranged for the selling of the fruits into the local” adds Mr McGuire.
The campaign’s philosophy lies in the provision of training and low-cost gardening resources like organic manure, seeds, tools, and organic pest control. The citrus fruits can supplement the diet as well as improve healthy food consciousness and nutritional security, while providing sustainable additional income. Additionally, encouraging pupils to grow their own food will bring about personal satisfaction, community building, and heightened self-esteem. “Imagine as well as 10 years from now students returning to their home town schools find orange groves that they themselves planted. These trees will surely be gifts that keep on growing!” says Mr. Amos.
Mr Amos and Mr McGuire are pleased to have the support of the DTC, NDTC, the GO Campaign, RadioWave 96.7; “This is only the beginning,” says Mr Amos “through a shared vision and dream, we look forward to a fruitful partnership.” Students, teachers, parents and Head Masters are encouraged to get their schools on board, for more information, please contact Cathy at Interact Advertising on Tel. (061) 245 828 or email cathy@interact.com.na.
