The Owl Project is a non-profit organisation committed to education about and the preservation of the owl population.
The programme began in 1998 by Jonathan Haw as a response to two children who ingested rat poison in Sebokeng Township. Today, The Owl Project has expanded and began other sub-projects such as the annual Owl Art Project.
The Grade 6 and 7 learners at Cosmo City West Primary School flooded the amphitheatre of the school before the addition of colour of the last of their three-dimensional puzzle was concluded. The learners are given the opportunity to choose a project every year. The funds required for each project are then raised by all stakeholders and the schools involved participate in this fun activity to demystify the birds of prey.
The project is one of many programmes run by the Owl Project and began in Alexandra Township in 2017. The annual Owl Art Programme was a way to ‘debunk myths’ surrounding owls, in the words of Delina Chipape of the Owl Project. Owls have been associated with unsavoury mythology and witchcraft in the black community, which is what the owl projects serves to end.
“Owls are a perfect, eco-friendly rodent control method compared to poison,” is the message Chipape has set out to deliver.
Through projects like the annual Owl Art Project children and adults are encouraged to nurture the animals, and not fear them.
The end goal was to create ‘owl-friendly children who will be owl-friendly adults living in an owl-friendly environment’.
The owl art created by all the schools involved throughout the years has been displayed internationally. Those interested in being a sponsor for the annual Owl Art Programme, and any other programmes run by the non-profit are welcomed. One unit is R500 and is made from recycled owl boxes.
Details: Delina Chipape 076 360 9072
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