Jabulane Christian Academy (JCA) has just concluded its “Goes Green Week,” held from September 2 to 6, 2024. The event was a celebration of environmental stewardship, inspired by the biblical story of creation over six days.
Ms Gerda Klopper, the Academy’s Marketing Specialist, mentioned that the week was designed to instil a sense of responsibility in both students and the broader school community for the care of God’s creation, while also encouraging creativity and active participation.
Students engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week to strengthen their bond with the environment and to emphasize their role as its guardians. One key project was the collection of plastic bottle caps and bread tags for The Sweetheart Foundation, which provides wheelchairs to those in need.
This initiative not only benefited the community but also instilled a sense of purpose and empathy in the students, said Ms Klopper. She added that the students were involved in a gardening project, enhancing the school’s surroundings with plants. This activity culminated in the planting of a variety of plants outside the Grade R and Grade 3 classrooms, bringing new life to the area and reinforcing the importance of nurturing and expanding God’s creation.
According to Ms Klopper, one of the week’s most creative activities was the recycling project. Students were tasked with using recycled materials to craft unique items that represented the different days of the biblical creation narrative. This project not only displayed the students’ ingenuity but also underlined the value of transforming waste into useful items.
Mr. G. Colin, the principal of JCA, expressed his excitement for the week’s activities, stating, “This is an exciting time at our academy as we guide our learners in God’s truths and illuminate them with the teachings of the Bible. ‘JCA Goes Green Week’ provides us with a chance to showcase the power and wisdom of our incredible God, who spoke the entire universe into existence in six days. As creatures made in God’s likeness, we have to be responsible stewards of creation, our time, and our interactions with others.”
Ms Klopper said the triumph of “Goes Green Week” was amplified by the fervent support of parents, who were instrumental in realizing the various initiatives.
“JCA is hopeful that the insights gained during the week will encourage students to embrace environmental stewardship in their everyday lives, promoting a culture of care and accountability for our planet.
“Looking ahead, Jabulane Christian Academy is dedicated to cultivating not just the intellect of its students but also their spirits, motivating them to positively influence their community and the environment,” she said.