Despite its social, economic malaise and environmental decay, Alexandra is nurturing future environmentalists.
This through an owl project which started at schools several years ago to mitigate the use of deadly poison to control rodents in the township. Inadvertently, the poison sometimes gets into the wrong hands leading to the death of children or when jilted lovers use it to settle scores.
The project was started in 1998 by Eco Solutions which promotes non-toxic forms of pest control. Owls which have been rehabilitated by the SPCA and others are released into this food-rich habitat that is Alex. Eco Solutions promotes environmental education and nature conservation and educates children about owls which are an endangered species. In Alex, children of Zenzeleni, Iphutheng and Carter primary schools together with Minerva Secondary and Marlboro Combined are involved in the project.
“The aim is to ensure the bird is released in safety and ensure its propagation,” project coordinator Delina Chipape said.
The learners nurture the owls in bird cages at the schools and make artworks depicting owls that are used to raise awareness of the plight of the birds. “Their [artworks] include owl designs produced in 2017 and mounted on totem poles, owl masks in 2018 and 3D owl puzzles produced in 2019.”
Chipape added that the artwork was recently displayed to commendable reviews at the 2019 Birdlife SA African Bird Fair at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. The children’s exploits also received international attention from Unesco-affiliated environmental and conservation agency, Durrenstein Wilderness and Nature Reserve in Austria.” It [agency] recently provided Zenzeleni children with a platform to exchange environmental management and general life skill issues with their peers in that country through Skype.”
The project, according to Chipape, is expanding with more interest coming from other schools in the province, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
With owls embroiled in myths and perceptions of their dark magic and spell-casting powers, mostly among the older generation, Chipape sees the children changing this belief. “First, we ensure parents of participating children give their consent. The children’s open and inquiring minds will also help to save and see the return of the bird in large numbers when they convince their parents on the importance of environmental awareness and conservation management including of owls.”
The project could achieve more if sponsors would get on board to help with the general operating and running costs of the project.
Potential partners can contact the project through 076 360 9072 or 011 791 7326.
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Zenzeleni Primary School learners share Owl Project experience with their Austrian counterparts
