Western Cape agriculture initiative seeks to teach children how to care for environment
A booklet aimed at teaching South African children how to care for the environment was launched in the Western Cape.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, officially launched the Soil Blanket booklet at the Sustainability Institute yesterday morning (5 September 2016).
The event coincided with National Arbour Week 2016, which takes place between 1 September and 7 September.
Developed by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the booklet forms part of the LandCare programme and outlines the importance of soil to sustain life on earth.
To be distributed across the country, it will be published in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa. The booklet will be made available to pupils between Grade 5 and Grade 7.
“With this booklet, we will be reaching 7 000 children at schools across the country. Booklets will be distributed at 100 schools in the Western Cape. Next month the National LandCare conference takes place in Kimberley, and we will issue 3000 copies to other provinces during this event.”
Minister Winde said Project Khulisa had selected agri-processing as a key growth sector, with the potential to add up to 100 000 jobs to the economy. This growth can only take place if the environment is sustained.
“Through initiatives such as our Smart Agri partnership we have prioritised sustaining the environment. The booklet is a great resource because by targeting the youth, it is aimed at the future of the agriculture sector.”
This is the fourth booklet in a series. Another edition, with a focus on the management of water, is set to be completed later this year.
Please see the booklet attached.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: bronwynnejooste
