When Teachers meet Totem Poles….

Our local learners are blessed with highly creative teachers, as we discovered at the Princess Vlei Forum/Peter Clarke Art Centre workshop on 2 February. The workshop was held in honour of World Wetland’s Day, and aimed to show teachers creative ideas for using totem poles to teach learners about the food webs of common Princess Vlei animal and plant species.

Introducing the workshop, Bridget Pitt from the PVF explained that the Forum was dedicated to using Princess Vlei to give kids a chance to experience and learn about nature, and to awaken their passion for it. ‘This is our best investment to ensure that places like Princess Vlei are cared for in the future. The Forum works actively with the PCAC’s outreach project, Ibhabhathane, as art is a powerful aid to instil an appreciation of nature.’
 
The site manager, Denisha Anand, spoke about the Forum’s programme to develop learners into young nature guardians, and about how they can become active nature conservationists by helping to capture data about endangered species such as the Western Leopard Toad.
 
Fabian Hartzenberg, from the PCAC, facilitated the workshop. He explained that the totem uses symmetry and balance, perfectly reinforcing lessons about how foodwebs need to be balanced to enable a healthy eco-system. The project can be used when teaching both the art and science curriculum.
 
Under his guidance, teachers explored different ways to construct the totem poles to using recycled and found materials. The teachers threw themselves into the task, and the results were spectacular.
 
This event marks the beginning of the Forum’s annual programme to use creative activities to excite children about the nature on their doorstep. A highlight will be our annual parade, this year scheduled on September 14. Any interested teachers can contact us on imagine@princessvlei.org.
 
Thanks to the Peter Clarke Art Centre for hosting the workshop, and to the Ibhabhathane project and Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust managed by Nedbank Private Wealth for supporting our environmental conservation programmes.