WESSA Schools Programme Annual Report 2019/2020

lawyers and aligned with Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA). THE FUTURE We had so much planned for 2020. In the first term we launched some community projects, hosted the Crazy Fun Quiz Night, and were due to have the annual March for Forests. We had planned to plant 21 indigenous trees to celebrate Ridgeway’s 21st Anniversary. Foundation Phase children planted over 2,000 sunflower seeds around the school to symbolise our growth and prosperity. The Ridgeway Climate Change Creative Arts Workshop , which I hoped to launch in 2020, aims to teach students how to live sustainably and create crafts using recycled materials. We e n v i s a ge l oca l

designers and artists will help lead these activities, to improve community participation. However, in the face of Covid-19, we have to think differently. Perhaps workshops will have to change to virtual tours. During this global pandemic, many places have had the cleanest air in over 20 years for a few months at least. I think we must ask “WHY?” It is time to implement real change from fossil fuels to r e n e w a b l e energy.

Junior SOLVErs. Ridgeway students collaborate with local universities, community members, farmers, and NGOs, etc. on various issues in our valley. Our main theme has been the prevention of the opening of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Coal Mine in our valley, in collaboration with i n t e r n a t i on a l

Our largest community event of 2019 was the

Ridgeway Climate Change March for Forest Awareness through Hangklip Forest, highlighting the role of forest preservation in combating climate change.

Change is inevitable, but I think many people are afraid of the future and change. We believe that by educating the young we can change the future for the better and ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

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