2011 - Antelope of Southern Africa

This year, the theme for the Farm Schools was Antelope of Southern Africa, with the emphasis on Oribi and the threats they face due to poaching and dog hunting.

On the 24 May 2011, Samson Phakathi (from EWT), Pat Cahill and Twané Clarke visited Yarrow and Triandra, and on the 25 May 2011 they visited Hawkstone and Gartmore.

Samson taught the learners about the antelope in the Karkloof, about why poaching and dog hunting is bad, as well using the Oribi as an example of a species that is affected by this. He made use of many posters as a visual aid.

A presentation on poaching was played for the learners which was compiled by the Lion's River Honorary Officers. This presentation was an excellent resource with the voice-over in Zulu and the subtitles in english. It was informative and interesting and the learners resoponded very well to it. SADC kindly lent us their digital projector which we played on a screen. They were fascinated at thefact that they could see the pictures on a "big screen".

The Karkloof Conservancy once again donated art materials for the learners to use for their posters and paper plates. They also donated an "Antelope of Southern Africa" book to each school for their libraries. The book was presented in a folder which contained extra information on the theme.

The learners had a week to complete their artwork in order for it to be displayed at the AGM which was on the 3 June 2011.

The votes have been tallied and the results are as follows:

• Fourth: Hawkstone (16 votes)

• Third: Gartmore (19 votes)

• Second: Yarrow (26 votes)

• First: Triandra (35 votes)