Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The learners were eager to begin our first lesson. Mr. Fudu asked that I speak on recycling. We focused the lesson around a plastic drink bottle. I asked the learners to brain storm ways that I could reduce, reuse, or recycle the of plastic bottles that we use. They had great ideas about how to reuse the bottle and with coaching came up with some ideas for reducing. However, when it comes to recycling, they were under the impression that they could through the bottle in the trashcan and it would be sorted out to be recycled. It was difficult to relate this idea to the students because recycling bins are not of relevance to them. There are no  recycling bins in the school or the Township where the students live. A few students reported seeing a recycling bin before. We discussed the importance of environmental preservation and the impact we have on our environment. We discussed renewable and non-renewable resources. These were new terms for these sixth grade learners. In addition to discussing recycling, we discussed the impact that pollution can have on local water supplies. All 41 learners in my class raised their hands to say that they believe all water from the tap is new, never before used water. They were shocked to hear that we use the same water that dinosaurs use!

The learners had an assembly in the street outside of their school provided by the Nelson Mandela Municipality concerning recycling. The speakers spoke to the learners in Xhosa about the importance of preserving their environment. Following the assembly, they were to clean their school grounds and recycle materials that could be recycled. The bus provided trash cans and gloves for them. Unfortunately, the water was out at the school it was dismissed early. The students were sent on their way to walk home.