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Sci-Enza, the science centre at the University of Pretoria, celebrated this day by presenting an Earth day workshop at the Mae Jemison US Science Reading Room on the Mamelodi campus of the University of Pretoria. “The aim of the day is to promote awareness of environmental issues and appreciation for planet Earth” said Irene Schoeman from Sci-Enza. Approximately 60 learners from high schools in the Mamelodi area participated in an environmental awareness quiz and made their own herbariums by reusing old plastic bottles to germinate and grow indigenous tree seeds in. Learners also discovered the fragile balance of natural resources in a closed ecosystem and could learn more about the water and carbon cycles and the responsibility of humans to develop sustainable, renewable energy sources.

 

Dineo Makala, a plant pathology graduate and volunteer at Sci-Enza said that it was interesting to see kids excited to celebrate Earth day. “I feel it is our responsibility to remind people that the wealth of a nation is in its water, land and fauna and flora biodiversity. If you take that away then we have nothing at all” said Makala.

 

The Mae Jemison US Science Reading Room is a partnership between the United States Embassy in Pretoria and the University of Pretoria. It is aimed at supporting the education of students in the local community about science and related academic subjects. Sci-Enza supports this community engagement initiative by regularly presenting workshops and science shows at the Reading Room.