News

The Kids in Parks programme has become one of a few ways learners from underprivileged communities visit National Parks. For a month, 500 learners take turns to explore the mystical Knysna forest and picturesque waterscapes. These are local learners from Knysna and surrounds.

Speaking about this year”s programme which began a few weeks ago, P&C officer for Knysna, Nondumiso Mgwenya, says “we encourage story-telling, forest excursions and learners to explore the Park. Every activity is guided and there”s a team of rangers and monitors who help with the Programme.”

The learners come from 12 schools in the area.

Park Manager for the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), Paddy Gordon, says “such programmes have a long-term objective of exposing youngsters to the protection of the environment. Protection is not only for plants and animals but for the economy, health as well as for current and future generations. He adds that through the Kids in Parks Programme, the SANParks Week campaign and other eco-projects with schools, children are afforded an opportunity to explore nature.”

The programme is co-funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and SANParks and is sponsored by Pick & Pay.