Thohoyandou Primary School in Gauteng Province, Saulsville West, recently hosted an environmental education outreach programme that brought together young learners and student volunteers for a day of hands-on learning. The initiative, organised by the Green Campus Initiative of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in collaboration with Miss Earth South Africa, focused on teaching learners the importance of caring for their environment through practical action.
The day began with an interactive discussion where learners were encouraged to think about how their daily habits affect their surroundings. Topics included littering, recycling, water conservation, and the protection of green spaces, creating a platform for learners to reflect on their role in preserving the environment.
Tshiamo Morare, Miss Earth titleholder and founder of My Sister Foundation, addressed the learners on environmental stewardship. She emphasised the value of starting awareness at a young age.
“Environmental awareness must start while children are still young,” she said. “When learners understand that their everyday choices matter, they begin to see themselves as part of the solution. Protecting our environment is not a once-off event; it is a lifelong responsibility.”
Following the discussion, learners participated in a hands-on planting session in the school garden, coordinated by Tshepo Ntlemeza and Atlegang Leeuw, alongside SMU student volunteers. Together, they prepared the soil, planted seedlings, and learned basic gardening skills. The activity not only enhanced the school garden but also provided practical knowledge that learners could apply at home.
The outreach also included a clean-up campaign around the school grounds, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment. Armed with gloves and refuse bags, learners enthusiastically collected litter and helped restore the school’s neatness.
The atmosphere was energetic and engaging, with learners actively participating in every activity. Their excitement was particularly evident during the planting session.
Tshego Motsayi, the currently elected Chairlady of the Green Campus Initiative, reflected on the experience.
“What stood out most for me was the eagerness of the learners to take part in the planting activity,” she said. “Their enthusiasm confirmed something powerful: children do not just learn by listening, they learn by doing.
“By involving them directly in preparing the soil and planting seedlings, we moved beyond theory and gave them a practical experience. The goal was not only to plant in the garden, but to plant skills, responsibility, and environmental awareness in the learners themselves.
“When young people are trusted with action, they rise to the occasion. That is how we begin building a generation that values and protects its environment.”
Lehlogonolo Makina, an active member of the Green Campus Initiative, shared his reflections as well. “Seeing the children so happy while planting the vegetables brought me joy,” he said. “It felt like we were planting more than just plants. We were planting hope and responsibility. Moments like these remind us that giving back strengthens both the community and ourselves.”
The outreach aimed to cultivate basic gardening skills, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility among the learners. More importantly, it demonstrated that meaningful change begins with practical education and collaborative partnerships.
Through initiatives such as this, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to promote sustainability not only on campus but also within the broader community. By empowering young learners with knowledge and hands-on experience, the University contributes to the development of environmentally conscious citizens who understand that caring for the planet starts with everyday actions.
By Dimakatso Modise
