By Staff Reporter
NKOWANKOWA – Charles Mathonsi Secondary School has been named the top-performing school in the Senior Phase category of the Limpopo Green Schools for Earth Programme Awards 2024.
The prestigious recognition underscores the school’s outstanding commitment to environmental awareness, sustainability, and community-driven green projects.
The award was presented to the school on Wednesday by Limpopo Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism (LEDET) MEC, Tshitereke Matibe.
The event highlighted the critical role schools play in fostering environmental literacy and shaping future leaders committed to sustainability.
Charles Mathonsi Secondary was selected from a pool of 75 participating schools in Limpopo, all of which had showcased their efforts in raising environmental awareness and promoting green practices.
The school’s innovative sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, energy conservation, and community-driven projects, earned it this well-deserved recognition.
MEC Matibe lauded the school for its proactive approach to environmental education, stressing that such programs are crucial in developing young environmental ambassadors who will lead the charge in addressing pressing global challenges.
He emphasized the importance of equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to identify and solve environmental problems, which, in turn, empowers communities to make positive changes.
“This is an important programme for Limpopo because it builds learners’ confidence and enhances their ability to identify and solve environmental challenges. Schools like Charles Mathonsi are setting the standard for sustainable education,” said Matibe during the award ceremony.
The Limpopo Green Schools for Earth Programme has far-reaching benefits, extending beyond the competition itself. Many participating schools have established vegetable gardens, promoting food security while providing a sustainable source of income through local markets.
These initiatives are a testament to the program’s tangible impact on both the educational sector and the surrounding communities.
The success of Charles Mathonsi Secondary, along with other schools in the program, highlights Limpopo’s leadership in sustainability education.
MEC Matibe has announced plans to expand the program in 2025, with the goal of reaching even more schools and ensuring that sustainability remains a core focus in the province’s educational framework.
As the 2024 awards draw to a close, Charles Mathonsi Secondary’s achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration for other schools in the region.
With their groundbreaking efforts in environmental education, the school is paving the way for future generations to embrace sustainability and take meaningful action for the planet.
