More than 13,000 young people have participated in the Mafikeng
SCENE's environmental education programmes. The programme is run
along the lines of the Scout method, non-formal education that is
complementary to outcomes-based education.
The following aspects are dealt with in the Mafikeng three-day
environmental education programme:
Why is the environment important? A sensory awareness game
is played.
Climate Change: Practical ways to prevent the increase in global
warming, for example:
- Energy saving at home by doing an energy audit, using alternative
fuel sources, reducing the amount of electricity used and wearing
warm clothes
- Planting and caring for trees
- Recycling and using waste material for trench bed food gardening
- Re-use of water
Agricultural skills are taught by making trench bed food gardens.
This is the first step in poverty alleviation.
HIV/Aids awareness: The Scout programme on "Scouting and
AIDS" is used as a guideline. The programme and workshop
aim to encourage open discussion of sexual health matters, de-stigmatise
AIDS, quash myths and encourage healthy behaviour.
Sanitation and how to make household water safe from diseases
A guided walk through the adjacent game reserve is seen as the
highlight by the participants. Here they can observe rhinos, zebras,
giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest and various antelope.
Investigating different invertebrate habitats. By using magnifying
glasses and microscopes invertebrate life is examined.
Global resource issues are dealt with in the 'World Resources
Game'. The game is played in small teams and gives opportunities
to develop teamwork and negotiation skills.
Self-development by taking part in the campfire and stargazing.
