Climate kick players show learners why ecosystem depends on trees

It is too late in the season to plant maize, but for Erika Johannes, holding the watering can, it was a special day when two of her soccer idols, Stanton Fredericks and Fabian McCarthy, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and defender, pitched up at her school in Gobabis for a day of tree planting. Joining in the day’s fun is Grade 4 to 6 teacher, Denichia Awases.

The two celebrated South African soccer players were part of the FNB Global United Climate Kick group that visited Gobabis Project School to help the learners plant a lot of maize and a few trees. The soccer legends then took time to explain to the children why trees are so important and the role they play in the environment.

Fredericks who retired from professionial soccer in 2013 was part of the 2017 Climate Kick. “It is vital for us to know the importance of trees for our environment” he stated adding that one large tree can supply a day’s oxygen for four grown-ups.

Reflecting on the impact the tree planting had on the children, Awases said “This was an extraordinary experience for the learners as well as the staff of Gobabis Project School. We learnt how to plant, preserve and recycle. We will definitely implement the new techniques that we were taught.”

“The Global United legends were extremely kind and helpful and we truly thank them and FNB for their time, effort and great investment in our school and community” she said.

Enchanted learner Johannes said “It was very educational. We learned how to maintain our garden and we were also taught how to use recycled material to help develop our garden. We used plastic bottles, tyres and plastic bags.”