Day 3: Primary School Scientists assist the Outreach Team

Gerhard Groenewald & his father Piet Groenewald
alumni  of this Primary School

Michelle demonstrating how to sample.

Students singing a song for the team

Hendrik, Isa & Madeleen inspecting the samples

HM Beets Primary School is a quaint and neat school with 86 happy young ones and 5 dedicated staff members. Their school is close to the main road connecting Worcester and Villiersdorp. This week was a special week in their lives because the pupils became involved in the scientific project that is supported by their neighbours at Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve.

They were introduced to the project and invited to become involved by Hendrik Melk from Klipbokkop, who handed out little bottles to all of them and encourages them and their families to collect any crawlies, insects and other small enough creatures to be identified by the scientist in the laboratory at Klipbokkop.
The second collection of the specimens was picked up by the Toyota Outreach team today and the learners were treated to the attention of a TV crew who filmed their activities, their school and the surroundings. They will also have the opportunity later in the week to visit the laboratory and to see what is happening to their collection of insects. This awareness and involvement might hopefully change and shape perceptions about invaders, conservation and might also inspire a future botanist or zoologist.

Mrs Myrtle Grove, the Principal since 2009, has seen many positive improvements. The school is situated on the grounds belonging to the Brandvlei Correctional Services who has adopted the school and is maintaining the premises and has upgraded, for example, the ablution facilities.

The learners are mostly from the local farmland areas and will continue their schooling here up to grade 6. According to Donovan Hector, a teacher and Mattys Steyn, a School Board member, they benefit from the National Feeding Scheme and every learner receives a healthy meal every day.

Gerhard Groenewald, from Klipbokkop, his father Piet Groenewald and his grandfather attended the original Kweekkraal Primary School.  It was a memorable event for both Groenewalds to return to their roots and many memories were shared.  This school building was extended in 1924 and recently declared a National Historical Monument.

Sphingidae, common name hawk moths reputed to fly 70 km/h

Sphingidae (Hawk moth)

Parrot Beaked Tortoise

Parrot Beaked Tortoise