The Atterbury Trust, in association with the Adopt Moreletaspruit Forum, is the proud sponsor of the Adopt-a-River School Poster Competition. The young winners were announced this weekend at the Atterbury Theatre at Lynnwood Bridge, Pretoria, coinciding with World Environment Day, celebrated on Sunday 5 June.
The competition is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of rivers to communities and the environment while also teaching children about the ecosystem in and around rivers in an exciting and entertaining way.
“Water is life. Being aware of the importance of water for humans and animals is an issue that affects us all,” says Zahn Hulme of the Atterbury Trust. “That’s why we channelled our sponsorship into this meaningful community initiative that promotes the wellbeing of our natural heritage by educating our children.”
At leading property investor and developer Atterbury, its success is measured not only by the growth of its real estate assets and development pipeline but also by the growth of South Africa’s most important resource – its people. For this reason, it founded the Atterbury Trust in 1994 as part of its business philosophy to reinvest in the community by creating opportunities.
The Adopt-a-River School Poster Competition began in February and received a total of 170 entries. Eleven finalists were chosen to receive first, second and third places in their age categories. A further 11 students were awarded commendations.
The awards were presented at an entertaining prize-giving event at the Atterbury Theatre that featured fun activities emphasising the need to be water wise.
Atterbury Trust sponsored the cash prizes for the top three positions in all age groups and the book prizes for the children who earned a commendation. Prizes were awarded to both the learners and their respective schools.
The winners are:
Prize winning children
Grades 1 to 4:
· 1st – Isobel Govender-Bateman, Glenstantia Primary School
· 2nd – Lehlogonolo Hlongwane, Mahube Valley Primary School
· 3rd – Lifa Bheka – Mahube Valley Primary School
Grades 5 to 7:
· 1st – Jennifer Mouton, Laerskool Lynnwood
· 2nd – Meghan Mouton, Laerskool Lynnwood
· 3rd – Marli van Rensburg, Laerskool Lynnwood
Grades 8 to 9:
· 1st – Chioma Okaye, Willowridge High School
· 2nd – Sinovuyo Filizwe, High School
Grades 10 to 12:
· 1st – Thabiso Setlau, Lehlabile Secondary School
· 2nd – Kamogelo Seloga, Lehlabile Secondary School
· 3rd – Amohelang Maseko, Phateng High School
School Prize:
Grades 1 to 4:
1st Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 2 250, subscription to Supernova Magazine, six back issues of Highlights magazine and 5 x 20 litre size indigenous trees which goes to:
· Glenstantia Primary School
2nd and 3rd Prize consists of Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 2 250, six back issues of Highlights magazine and 10 x 3 litre size indigenous trees indigenous trees which goes to:
· Mahube Valley Primary School
Grades 5 to 7:
1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 4 500, subscription to Supernova Magazine, 1 year back issues of Highlights magazine, 5 x 20 litre size indigenous trees and 10 x 3 litre size indigenous trees which goes to:
· Laerskool Lynnwood
Grades 8 to 9:
1st and 2nd Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 3 750, subscription to Supernova Magazine, six back issues of Highlights magazine, 5 x 20 litre size indigenous trees and 10 x 3 litre size indigenous trees which goes to:
· Willowridge High School
Grades 10 to 12:
1st and 2nd Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 3 750, subscription to Supernova Magazine, six back issues of Highlights magazine, 5 x 20 litre size indigenous trees and 10 x 3 litre size indigenous trees which goes to:
· Lehlabile Secondary School
3rd Prize consists of Science kit valued at R 750, six back issues of Highlights magazine, and 5 x 3 litre size indigenous trees which goes to:
· Phateng High School
“We are delighted with the success of the competition and with the striking posters all the students created,” says Hulme. “The collaboration of the Adopt Moreletaspruit Forum, JNF Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre (WSEC) and the Atterbury Trust has been a partnership aimed at giving back to the communities we serve.”
She adds: “We are optimistic that the messages the children have created with their posters will make a big splash. No doubt, they will help to raise awareness of the crucial role of rivers among their peers and the adults viewing them, too.”
The messages on the posters in the winning categories will also have a positive ripple effect in their community. They are being displayed for everyone to see at the Glenfair Boulevard Shopping Centre, on the corner of Lynnwood and Daventry Road, in Lynwood Manor, Pretoria, until Sunday 12 June.
