A New Outlook in the Classroom

The knowledge, skills and confidence gained will contribute positively to childhood development during the critical ‘First 1 000 days.’ It is the age when children are curious and develop their own sense of being, they investigate and learn.

As part of a joint Educational Global Grant Project with Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve Facilitators arrange and accompany monthly outings for 30 Early Childhood Development (ECD) aspiring teachers. The activities aim to compliment and add onto the Level 4 ECD Teacher Training that will commence early next year. Upon completion of the one-year course the participants will become qualified NFQ Level 4* ECD teachers. Improving employment opportunities, access to educational resources, entrepreneurial initiatives, and have a greater impact within their communities as a whole.

The aim of each CWBR facilitated outing is to stimulate discussion, encourage new experiences, and broaden the participants approach and knowledge to add to the lesson plans in their respective ECD Centres. Shared activities are undertaken, and excursions to a variety of educational venues to encourage curiosity and investigative thinking. The participants also come away with educational activities and new tools to share with the children and their families.

The Educational Outings

The first outing took place along the Berg River in Franschhoek, en route to the Berg Dam, an area new to most of the participants though they live in close proximity to the Nature Reserve. It was a tactile experience exploring the sounds, smells, and textures in nature, linking environmental education to the ECD curriculum. The participants were encouraged to touch, smell, observe, and investigate the pristine surroundings, to pose questions such as where water is from, how caring for one’s environment has positive impacts, and what can be taken away from the experience outdoors - back into the classroom. The group were accompanied by two educators with in-depth knowledge in childhood and adult education and development, as well as a marine biologist, and a CWBR environmental educator.  

In celebration of International Museum week, this month, the participants were hosted by IZIKO South African Museum for a full day of activities and exploration.

The participants were introduced to the history of the museum, how it came to be, and then taken on an IZIKO facilitated educational tour through the various exhibitions. The participants were encouraged to allow ‘children to be children’ in the space and to be excited and explore. The collections visited included Marine Biology, Insects, Terrestrial Vertebrates, Palaeontology, and Rock Art. Topics included comparing textures, sizes, how use language relatable to young children to group and tell apart birds, reptiles, and mammals. IZIKO educational packs with material to enrich and add value to the activities in the participants classrooms were given to the group at the end of the tour.

Walking across the Company Garden after lunch, the participants made their way to the South African National Gallery. A space that hosts outstanding collections of South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish Art. After introductions to the Art Gallery, the participants explored the space later coming together as group in the Tribute section, a study exhibition for South African participants and teachers.

The participants and CWBR Facilitators were encouraged to interpret art by the art educator: not to describe an art piece through simple terms (happy/ angry/ scary) but rather through texture and colour (soft/ hard/ light/ dark). This was a completely new experience for the participants and CWBR Facilitators!

The hands-on learning and exposure to different educational environments through these outings have already shown a positive impact amongst the participants. The outings have highlighted the importance of going to educational venues and having access to resources for aspiring teachers and established ECD’s alike. This further enriches the classroom experience and creates a fully engaging and investigative learning space for the first 1000 days of a child’s life.  

Additional Partners

This project is made possible through the collaboration with Bhabahthane NPO who coordinate and assist the aspiring teachers in preparation for the one-year course.

The educational outings are made possible through the partnership with Athénée Action Humanitaire, a Luxembourg NGO.

* SA National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification, Certificate in Early Childhood Development Practice.

The participants reflecting on their surroundings at   the Berg River, Franschhoek

The participants reflecting on their surroundings at the Berg River, Franschhoek

Utilizing binoculars to investigate the space

Utilizing binoculars to investigate the space

History of IZIKO South African Museum and introduction to associated IZIKO museums available to visit

History of IZIKO South African Museum and introduction to associated IZIKO museums available to visit

Fortunate to experience the Discovery room at IZIKO,   the participants were introduced to the IZIKO educational programme and shown   activities to take back to their own classrooms.

Fortunate to experience the Discovery room at IZIKO, the participants were introduced to the IZIKO educational programme and shown activities to take back to their own classrooms.

Guided through the varying exhibitions, the teachers   were encouraged to share how they would pose question and utilize the space   with the children.

Guided through the varying exhibitions, the teachers were encouraged to share how they would pose question and utilize the space with the children.

Linking Marine Education to the Early Childhood Development Curriculum and experiencing the true size of a whale!

Linking Marine Education to the Early Childhood Development Curriculum and experiencing the true size of a whale!

Exploring the current exhibition at the National   Gallery

Exploring the current exhibition at the National Gallery

Rethinking interpretation. Discussing and learning   how to understand and describe art

Rethinking interpretation. Discussing and learning how to understand and describe art

A big thank you to Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley, IZIKO South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, Bhabhathane, Athénée Action Humanitaire, and the curious and investigative aspiring teachers who are taking part in this exciting initiative!

A big thank you to Rotary Club of Franschhoek and Drakenstein Valley, IZIKO South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, Bhabhathane, Athénée Action Humanitaire, and the curious and investigative aspiring teachers who are taking part in this exciting initiative!

Science Day in Storms River, Tsitsikamma

While visiting Garden Route Biosphere Reserve last month, Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve facilitated a Science Day at Stormsriver Primary in the afternoon. Hands-on experiences were shared of flying a drone, evaluating the health of rivers using mini-sass, sharing how binoculars and telescopes work, as well as the tactile experiences of nature, and showcased small carnivorous plants!

Requested by a previous student, born and raised in Storms River, the day contributed to her Community Enrichment Programme. The purpose of the Programme, to excite and engage the children in the area to become curious and part-take in hands-on learning and nurture self-study.   

The Science Day at Stormsriver Primary was made possible through the partnership with Athénée Action Humanitaire and contribution from the US Consulate.

A Look Behind the Scenes

“I have always been captivated by storytelling. The past week has been so inspiring and reignited that spark. Connecting with such incredible youth from various communities, and seeing the potential in them and the difference they are already making, has been truly amazing.” - Janique Oliver, Youth Board Member

We set off late Sunday morning with a quantum packed to the brim with filming equipment, camping gear and a considerable amount of padkos. Garden Route bound, there was much trepidation and excitement for the journey ahead. Our goal as the “Doccie Team” was to find willing participants and interview them for our Youth Documentary, to be filmed at various intervals throughout the year. The concept behind the documentary is to interview inspiring young people (under the age of 35) instigating positive change in their local communities, located within the five biosphere reserves of the Western Cape. We, as a Youth Board, aim to use the documentary as a means to celebrate the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s MAB as well as encourage youth involvement within biosphere reserves.

Having zero filming experience, it’s safe to say I felt rather out of my depth when tasked with leading the Team. However little faith I had in myself, however, I had incredible confidence in the abilities of the rest of my team which consisted of two of the newest Youth Board members: Dean Jorgensen and Janique Oliver. Dean, our videographer, works as a videographer, photographer and website developer in both the tourism and social media sectors. Janique, our social media queen, has experience in content development and graphic design and currently works as the PR & Communications coordinator for our project partners, USIKO Stellenbosch. Between us, our little trio were eager to utilise our diverse skill sets to capture the optimism, fearlessness and resourcefulness of the young people living in our country’s biosphere reserves. Armed with back up SD cards, back up-back up SD cards, coffee and nervous-excitement, we ventured out to find our first stories.

The interviews took us to a wide variety of places and spaces in the Garden Route Biosphere, starting in George, moving on to the small villages of Great Brak River and Touwsranten and finally, spending some time in Stormsriver. While reflecting back on the day spent with our interviewees during the car trips home to our campsite, we would often come back to familiar thoughts and feelings. Although, physically drained from a long day shooting there was a deeper energy gained from every interaction we encountered. Each individual and their associated networks seemed to ooze an infectious passion, drive and hope for not only their own future but that of their communities and country too. As young people ourselves, we could also relate to the frustration and disillusionment felt at times since the outbreak of the pandemic. Despite our vastly different backgrounds, we shared similar anxieties but at the same time a greater optimism for our collective future.

We feel immensely privileged to have connected with these young people and look forward to linking up with youth located in the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, very soon. If you are a young person living in this area and would like to connect with us or have a recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact us on youth@capewinelands.co.za.

To find out more about the documentary visit our social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook where you can follow more behind the scene developments as they unfold over the coming months.

Capturing Footage

Capturing Footage

Interview in George

Interview in George

Team meeting

Team meeting

Tsitsikamma

Tsitsikamma

Interviewing youth in Touwsranten

Interviewing youth in Touwsranten

CWBR joins the WNICBR

We are excited to announce that Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR) has joined the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves.

The Network was established in 2009 by UNESCO MAB Programme to foster sustainable development and promote adaption and mitigation strategies on climate change.

Though the CWBR is an inland biosphere reserve, it is recognized for being the source of seven rivers, all of which are vital sources of water and provide a keystone ecosystem service for several towns, agriculture and industry, as well as ensuring the survival of biodiversity from the source to the sea.

The CWBR is also made up of several protected areas, and well-known for forming part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site originally declared in 2004. Hosting over 9300 species, of which 68% are endemic to South Africa.

The Network functions as a platform for island and coastal biosphere reserves that are existing within different contexts however with shared characteristics and therefore some common challenges. It is a forum of cooperation to exchange knowledge and share possible solutions.

The CWBR attended the ninth WNICBR World Network Workshop held in our neighbouring Biosphere Reserve, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, in 2019. The theme: Coastlines in Balance, “with the aim of strengthening cooperation among partners and advance in mutual learning and networking in coastal management” [WNICBR Website].

A presentation was given by a CWBR facilitator sharing the hands-on facilitated educational activities by the CWBR in partnership with Athénée Action Humanitaire. As well as our involvement in drone research in partnership African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) and Socio-Economic Benefits of Ecological Infrastructure (SEBEI). The programme, CWBR presentation, and other members presentations are available on the WNICBR IX MEETING page .

To learn more about the Network visit the WNICBR Website, and visit the WNICBR CWBR Page

Insights from UNESCO’s Biodiversity Forum

2021 is considered a monumental year for biodiversity with important commitments and targets being set at several major global environmental conferences, including the World Conservation Congress and COP 15. Leading up to these important decisions, UNESCO’s Biodiversity Forum was held online on the 24th of March, bringing together high-level stakeholders and actors to discuss current global environmental challenges and possible ways forward.

Many distinguished guest speakers from around the world gathered to speak about topics ranging from biodiversity loss, the health of our oceans and how to bring about transformational change. Throughout the discussion sessions, four recurring themes emerged: 1.) rethinking our relationship with nature 2.) the need for collective global action 3.) Science as a tool for change and 3.) involving youth in discussion and decision-making. 

  1. Rethinking our relationship with nature

Dr. Jane Goodall, the nominated spokesperson of the 50th anniversary of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme said during the Forum, “It’s very clear, we need to develop a new relationship with the natural world… a new, respectful relationship with nature and a new, greener and more sustainable economy.”

Scientists and those in the environmental sphere have long since acknowledged the importance of the interdependence between people and nature. In fact, this was one of the founding principles that UNESCO’s MAB was founded on, five decades ago. However, the global pandemic has once again highlighted the importance of this relationship to mainstream society. Therefore, an active global effort must be made, across all sectors of society, to find new ways of living in harmony with nature.

  1. The need for collective global action

Pope Francis passed on an important message about claiming responsibility for our environmental challenges stating, “Climate change should be seen as much more of a moral than a technical issue”.

We should recognise the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change as universal issues. Too often the finger is pointed at developed nations or big corporations to answer for their wrongdoings. There is the expectation that these entities must be solely responsible for cleaning up this mess, however, it is far too late for this mindset. Instead, all nations and sectors of society must work in partnership to reach global targets.

This includes action taken at the individual level too as we all have a role to play and individual choices have the power to instigate positive change. It is also crucial that we stop thinking in silos and encourage collaboration amongst multiple stakeholder groups, across scales in order to produce meaningful solutions.

  1. The Importance of Science in creating change

Several speakers noted that Science should be used as a tool to develop more sustainable solutions and drive better policy. We first need to understand the scale and complexity of global threats in order to know how to go about tackling them. Therefore it is crucial that we develop widely-accepted, science-driven policy as “science and scientists supported by policymakers and industry can offer solutions from the very local level to systemic and global arenas.”

Furthermore, humankind’s incredible capacity to innovate means that we have the ability to address and reverse the negative impacts we have brought about to our planet. UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) should be increasingly looked at in this case as they serve as hubs for interdisciplinary scientific research and a means to connect different actors.

  1. The Importance of Youth

Finally, The importance of youth involvement in discussions surrounding biodiversity conservation and the climate crisis was echoed throughout the Forum. The Closing statement was given by Xiaoge Ping, a MAB Youth Spokesperson from China, who noted that “nowadays, the voices of young people are more valued by decision-makers given that youth have the ability to reshape our future and the motion to change.” 

This once again highlights MAB’s intention of paying special attention to youth and encouraging them to become actors of change within their communities.

These four themes serve as key steps needed to be taken to enact the change necessary to reach global biodiversity targets in years to come. UNESCO’s WNBR will surely play a crucial role in helping to carry them out on the ground level. The CWBR looks forward to assisting in these endeavours!

Theewaters Kloof. Photo by C Macdonald

Theewaters Kloof. Photo by C Macdonald

UNESCO Forum on Biodiversity 2021

On the 24th of March we tuned in to the UNESCO Forum on Biodiversity which saw high-level stakeholders coming together to discuss environmental challenges and how to address them in ways that are ethical and peaceful. Dr. Jane Goodall, the nominated spokesperson of the 50th anniversary of Man and Biosphere (MAB), highlighted the importance of establishing new relationships with our natural world.

“It’s very clear, we need to develop a new relationship with the natural world… we need to find a new, respectful relationship with nature and a new, greener and more sustainable economy.” She went on to congratulate UNESCO’s MAB on the important work it is doing in helping to develop and implement these new relationships all over the world. Highlighting the importance of the role of young people in the future of Biosphere Reserves, six young MAB representatives spoke at the forum.